June 15th will be tenth anniversary of the release of Gadar Ek Prem Katha which was a box office phenomena and probably sold more tickets at the theatres in India than any film in history apart from Sholay (1975). This was mainly due to the unparalleled business it gathered from B and C centres across India. The reactions by the public at the theatres where the film was playing had not been seen before and also have not been seen since.
In Mumbai city which forms a big segment of all India business the film grossed around 7 crore nett as compared to the 12 crore nett of the highest grosser of that time Hum Aapke Hain Kaun but this 5 crore shortfall and more was made up from B and C centres where tickets were priced much lower than Mumbai city.
Gadar Ek Prem Katha released on 15th June 2001 left the trade stunned. There had been mega blockbusters just a few years back like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge but these were small releases and prints increased gradually but with Gadar it was a full blown release of 350 prints and never had anybody seen collections remain this high for such a big release.
The first week opened to around all India 7.25 crore nett collections without West Bengal where the film was not released.
Ashutosh Gowariker always took challenge..he never compromised with his work n that the world has witnessed with Lagaan..he made Swades which is one of the best works of SRK..then Jodha Akbar he gave a detailed description of Mughal Life without going overboard..then with Khelin Hum Jee Jansey he showed India a courageous and forgotten chapter of freedom struggle - Surjo Sen and good part he didnt compromise to make it commercial..now he is again taking risk to make BUddha..wish him luck.
If media is ignoring then fans of sunny should divulge the truth about India's most succesful film ever... 1)8 shows were run everyday for a month in punjab for Gadar 2) It played in more than 20 theaters for months in Delhi alone 3 ) With inflation adjusted and in non multiplex age, Gadar still remains as number one grosser of all times.. as per boxofficeindia
4) gadar was produced by IIM guy Nitin Keni. It was officially first ever corporate film of india, All the shootings were done on schedule following corporate culture and pre defined budget.
Director who narrates his thoughts accurately and expresses them on celluloid with dignity. A man who still believes more in history rather than in astrology. A rare perfect breed in this imperfect world. Keep it up.
