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Madhuri scores over AB
Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam a hit, Hum Kisise Kum Nahin tanks in the UK
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Arthur J Pais
As the weekend crowd spilled out of Odeon, one of London's best known multiplexes, an elderly man wiped tears off his eyes. "I don't know why this film is so moving," he said. "It is too emotional."
The film Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam is not a big shake at North American box-office. But in United Kingdom, where it is on its last leg, the film has grossed nearly $1 million in four weeks. A substantial number of the audiences are women, say exhibitors.
Exhibitors admit there were no big expectations for the film as it was under production for over four years. On the other hand, the much hyped Hum Kisise Kum Nahin could not live up to its title.
The film tanked on the opening day, ending its run with less than $150,000.
Amitabh Bachchan, as distributors in North America and the UK point out, can shine only in certain kind of films. As for Sanjay Dutt, he is hardly a draw overseas. Like Sunny Deol and brother Bobby, Sanjay has not been able to garner a substantial opening in the West.
The solid performance of Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam in the first 10 days proved that its stars, particularly Madhuri Dixit, still have clout, a factor that could help her forthcoming film Devdas considerably.
Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam is the third highest grossing desi film in United Kingdom in last six months following Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, which grossed a strong $4 million and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which minted about $3 million.