Enkayaar, Bollywood Trade News Network

After the impasse between the film producers and the multiplex owners lots of anticipation had built around the fact that the first big film that was going to be released KAL KISSNE DEKHA would be like the first drop of rain on the parched land that would fire the urge to have more of it. But a different connotation has emerged in the bargain, which the producers of the Hindi film may not have fathomed. Hollywood has also lined up all of its films to be released along with the Hindi films, vying for the eyeballs and from the first reaction it seems that Hollywood is winning the race.

There were two Hindi films and two English films that vied for the eyeballs last Friday. The Hindi films that were released included KAL KISNE DEKHA, KARMA: CRIME PASSION REINCARNATION, BRIDE WARS and 17 AGAIN. From the initial reports it is evident that Hollywood has won the race hands down, and one wonders whether it could be owing to the superior availability of technological tools available in Hollywood, and the lack of it in the Hindi films, or is it that the nature of content of the Hollywood films was contemporary and that of Hindi films was again run of the mill.

KAL KISSNE DEKHA could not score a hit with the audience in the multiplexes, though small centres accepted it passively and it may turn out to be another loss, as Rs. 24 crore have been spent in making it. The other Hindi film KARMA: CRIME PASSION REINCARNATION owing to its low cost-Rs. 2 crore, would be able to recoup its cost and can become a commission earner.

While BRIDE WARS had a mixed acceptance 17 AGAIN became a surprise hit at the multiplex its collections surpassing those of KAL KISSNE DEKHA. Is it an ominous portent? This week's trend may throw up some conclusions, the films vying are PAYING GUESTS and X-MEN ORIGINS WOLVERINE. If X-MEN ORIGINS WOLVERINE outperforms PAYING GUESTS then the Hindi film industry would indeed have to buckle up fast to face this onslaught from Hollywood. Hollywood is now getting firmly entrenched in the Indian market, while Indian films still have not been able to make a major dent in one of the biggest markets of the world USA. Some introspection indeed seems to be the need of the hour.