Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

While remakes and sequels have been the order of the day, it would probably be the first time ever when two remakes of Bollywood flicks would be clashing with each other at the box office. They are RAM GOPAL VARMA KI AAG and VICTORIA NO. 203.

It's a known fact that Ramu's film has been in the news, for reasons both good and bad, ever since it went into inception stage. On the other hand the announcement of VICTORIA NO. 203 did create a buzz but its pre release hype is near to zilch. The film's release date has been hurriedly announced while the promotion has been kept low key as well.

Says a highly placed executive responsible for the film's marketing, "We are consciously keeping the hype low since we want the film to find its own audience. With all eyes set on AAG, we are looking at surprising the audience who go in to watch this comic caper."

But in the days of big release, bigger promotion and quicker returns, isn't it counter productive to go low? "Subject of VICTORIA NO. 203 is the King here while we have complete trust in veterans Anupam Kher and Om Puri. Also with Jimmy and Sonia around, we are confident of getting the youth interested in the film. I am sure once that our VICTORIA would manage to withstand Ramu's AAG," he laughs.

Meanwhile there is one more film, DHOKHA, which is hoping for a miracle as it releases on the same Friday as RAM GOPAL VARMA KI AAG. Easily the least hyped film coming from the house of Bhatts, it has nothing working in its favor, whether from the music, promos or the subject point of view. One wonders what was the need for the film to release amidst the crowd!