Ban controversy raises Ram-Leela curiosity

Controversy, no matter how unwanted, always adds to the curiosity value of a film. So it is with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram-Leela. With self-appointed Hindu champions rising in protest against the film the interest-level in Ram-Leela has risen to hysterical proportions. A prominent personnel of a leading multiplex chain in Mumbai says, “Controversies add to the ticket sales only if the product generates interest from the outset. In this case the pre-release hype was already tremendous. Now the demand for tickets in our theatre is humongous. We are looking at mind boggling numbers once again after Krrish 3.” Trade analyst Taran Adarsh feels that the controversies are of no consequence to Ram Leela. “The film is so hot amongst the ticket-buying public, it would have opened big with or without the controversies.” Taran anticipates a massive opening for Ram Leela. “It will create a cyclone at the box office. I am confident of that. The film will open to a mind-boggling response. The craze for Ram Leela is building up with each passing hour.” Taran feels Rakesh Roshan’s blockbuster would feel the Ram Leela heat. “Krrish 3 will definitely be affected by the Ram Leela wave.” Adds trade analyst Amod Mehra, “Ram Leela is set to have a big opening and is sure to dominate over other films the weekend.”