Ali Bhai` bombs...

Bhuhaha · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:24 am Post subject: Ali Bhai` bombs...

By Moviebuzz | Tuesday, 21 August , 2007, 16:59

Mohanlal's much hyped Onam release Ali Bhai is turning out to be a turkey. The film which opened in a record 75 screens on August 15, took the biggest ever single day opening for a Malayalam film, as it grossed Rs 61 lakhs on Independence Day.
But the film fell the very next day, as Mohanlal fans could not stomach it. The fans are blaming director Shaji Kailas for the debacle as they found it stale, repetitive and boring. The question they asked was- "How long will Shaji continue to reheat the stale larger-than-life characterization of Lal ettan, without anything new story wise or in presentation?"

The word-of-mouth on Ali Bhai was so bad, that by the third day, 32 additional screens discontinued the film! In Thiruvananthapuram, Mohanlal's home town where the film released in four screens, by Friday it was reduced to a single screen. In Ernakulam, a Mohanlal citadel where it released in two huge screens, it became a single screen by Sunday!

The trade also feels the 'Onam previous' ( a trade term indicating the days before Onam festival, people have no time for the movies as they are busy shopping and preparing themselves for the festival) had also an effect on the films collection.

It is a set back for Mohanlal, who was riding a wave as Onam festival film is considered an important aspect in a superstar's career. But the star can take comfort that his Hallo released earlier, is a mega hit and during Onam it will do better business than Ali Bhai, with family and repeat audiences thronging it.