Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

VICTORY may have taken a slow start at the box office but at single screens, the film has picked up to an extent. Nevertheless, Harman Baweja (or should we call Hurman S Baweja) is quite happy that his performance has been widely appreciated by those who have seen the film. With industry showering praises on the young actor, there are all the right reasons for him to be extremely excited since he has three biggies coming with Anees Bazmee (IT'S MY LIFE), Ashutosh Gowariker (WHAT'S YOUR RASHEE) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali (yet untitled).

Says an elated Harman from Colombo where VICTORY had a premier yesterday night in full presence of Indian and Sri Lankan cricket team, "As an actor it is happy to hear such great reviews. All I can say is that I will go all out and continue to do better work. It was heartbreaking when LOVE STORY 2050 didn't work but in case of VICTORY, I am happy to have won over the audience as well as critics. 2009 should only get better from here on."

Meanwhile, trade sources indicate that VICTORY is showing signs of picking up with single screens showing 60%-70% collections in evening/night shows after a disheartening 20% start on Friday morning. "It was expected", says the source, "It is a movie that had to grow from word of mouth. Saturday/Sunday are crucial now and if collections stay on to be decent, the film would break even at the least. The good part about VICTORY is that Harman has performed quite well, something that everyone is unanimous in acknowledging."

Quotes a prominent film maker, "It is just his second film and still Harman has shown flashes of brilliance in quite a few scenes, whether on the field or the ones where he was required to demonstrate an emotional side of his. We have a true star actor amidst us and it's time to welcome him with open arms."