Filmworld
'Craze for Dhoni biopic more than any sportsman-based film'
Mumbai, Sep 30: The craze for Neeraj Pandey's "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story", a biopic on India's best known cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is much more than any film based on any sportsman in the past, and this might help to break the biopic jinx at the box office, says a trade analyst.
"Dhoni enjoys a massive following amongst cricket lovers and coupled with the fact that the title talks of 'Untold Story', it has added to the hype and curiosity of this well-publisised film," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.
"The craze for 'M.S. Dhoni - The Untold Story' is tremendous, much more than any film based on any sportsman in the past," he added.
Adarsh also considers track record of the director, who has made successful films like "Special 26" and "Baby". "With Neeraj Pandey on the director's seat, the expectations are humongous. All these factors put together should ensure a flying start for the film at the ticket windows."
"Of course, it eventually boils down to content. But I am sure the makers would do justice to the story that will be narrated on screen."
Atul Mohan, editor of the trade magazine Complete Cinema, adds that stakes as well as expectations are "too high".
"Dhoni is a huge brand, he has a huge fan following. As a perk, he is a craze amongst girls. He is a craze not only in India but overseas as well. Everybody wants to see the rise of Dhoni."
Significantly, Mohan points out the importance of this being an authorised biopic.
"With the legend himself involved, it has to be an interesting watch. Neeraj Pandey is a great story-teller of our times. The marketing strategy is rightly pitched for this one.
"The only concern is budget, but if sources are to be believed then all involved have covered their cost and only theatrical business is to be taken care of. But at the end of the day, the final report card of the film is assessed depending on the theatrical performance."
3 hours ago
Walz, Vance debate West Asia, immigration, climate and personal failings
3 hours ago
EAM Jaishankar, Blinken discuss West Asia, Ukraine
3 hours ago
Biden directs US forces to aid Israel's defence against Iran
3 hours ago
Marked by congeniality, Walz-Vance debate a polar opposite of acrimonious Harris-Trump encounter
3 hours ago
Avoid all non-essential travel to Iran: MEA
3 hours ago
Deeply concerned at escalation of security situation in West Asia: India
3 hours ago
Telangana Governor, CM pay tributes at Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad
3 hours ago
PM Modi virtually inaugurates gaushala with Bio-CNG plant in Gwalior
3 hours ago
SRK promises intense action with new ‘Jawan’ promo ahead of its Japan release
3 hours ago
Peter Dinklage, Himesh Patel join as voice cast for ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ adaptation
3 hours ago
India IPO boom: 15 companies submit draft documents in just 1 day
3 hours ago
Lucky to play in my first Women's T20 WC at 19, says Scotland’s Darcey Carter
3 hours ago
RG Kar protest: ‘Woman in pain’ statue at hospital attracts jibe from Trinamool leader