The big clash: Akshay Kumar’s 'Mission Mangal' Vs John Abraham’s 'Batla House', who will win the battle?
One of the most awaited films of the year, Akshay Kumar starrer 'Mission Mangal' is all set to hit the screens on August 15. The film features an ensemble cast of Akshay, Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha, Nitya Menen, Kriti Kulhari and Sharman Joshi among others. Directed by Jagan Shakti, the film narrates the tale of India's first successful Mars mission, Mangalyaan
On the other hand, John Abraham's 'Batla House' is a thrilling tale, based on a real-life encounter, which took place a decade ago, on September 19, 2008. Helmed by Nikkhil Advani, the film also features Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Manish Chaudhari and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles.
However, this is not the first time both the actors are clashing at the box office. Last year, Akshay's 'Gold' and John's 'Satyameva Jayate' not only released on Independence Day but both worked well at the box office. And this Independence Day, the duo is back with a clash. ETimes spoke to senior trade expert Taran Adarsh to get an expert opinion on the big clash.
What is at stake at the box office this Independence Day and how big will be this weekend for Bollywood?
This could be a big weekend for Bollywood because August 15 is a massive holiday. If you look at last year's collections, they were at an all-time high. I am sure that both the films will take a flying start at the box office, but after the opening day numbers, especially after word of mouth spreads, it is only the content that will speak for both the films.
Which film do you think will have a better opening day at the box office?
As far as advanced booking is concerned, 'Mission Mangal' is much ahead of 'Batla House'. We'll have to wait and watch as to how the films are, as no one has watched it yet. However, the opening day is going to be huge for both. Does a clash at the box office in today's time give two films more exposure and better opening? Yes, definitely! In today's time clashes are important and are understandable on a big holiday. When two films face each other at the box office, screens and shows get divided and so does the audience. Also, August 15 is a very big holiday and there will be an audience for both films. Both 'Mission Mangal' and 'Batla House' should embark on a very good start.
Akshay and John clashed at the box office with patriotic films last year, how is the clash different this year?
John Abraham's 2018 release 'Satyamev Jayate' was a very masala film. However, 'Batla House' and 'Mission Mangal' are based on reallife incidents. Both borrow from true stories but how they translate cinematically, we will only know when we watch the films.
Do you think this trend of patriotic films will continue in coming years as well?
Yes, why not? First of all, it is a welcome move to make a patriotic film. Secondly, there are numbers to support its success. For example, 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' has done an exceptional business at the box office. If the film is well made and has the patriotic quotient well integrated in the plot, it will definitely work at the ticket window the film in various languages but eventually, the content that matters, if it is good, then the film will sustain.
source : TOI
