Will IPL 2015 Prove Disastrous For Second Quarter In Bollywood?

Bollywood trade pundits have blamed the ICC World Cricket Cup for the disastrous failure of many Bollywood films released in the first quarter of 2015. So what is worth pondering is that if ICC World Cricket Cup has been the prime reason for distracting people from thronging cinema halls than Bollywood has reasons to worry as another cricket sensation IPL 2015 is beginning from April 8 and will played up till 24 May! 

Readers may note that the first quarter (From January to March) has witnessed not a single film that has touched the 100 crore mark. BABY (Rs 80 crore), DUM LAGA KE HAISHA (Rs 27 crore) and still seems to be going BADLAPUR (Rs.50 crore) and NH10 (Rs 27 crore) 

Eminent Bollywood analyst and film critic, Taran Adarsh blaming the ‘Cricket Fever’ among Indians said, “The first quarter has not been able to produce a single film that could reach the 100 Crore target, probably the reason could be the World Cup Cricket as Indians are known for their craze for the game as cricket is not less than a religion India.” He added, “In addition the annual examination that are held during February and March could also be the reason for the disappointing start in 2015!”

Another trade analyst Atul Mohan supporting Taran Adarsh said, “There are many factors why films haven't worked. Severe winter in North India, the World Cup, children's exams, etc. has affected the box-office performance of some of the big-name projects."

However contradicting these trade analysts another renowned Bollywood trade guru Komal Nahta believed the first half was disappointing only because the content of the movies was poor. 

He said, “I would say the first quarter has not been good at all, and that doesn't mean any film that deserves to do well, has flopped. All the films that have flopped deserved to flop. It has been a below average year.” 

Appreciating quality movies like BABY, DUM LAGA KE HAISHA, BADLAPUR and NH10, which performed well, Nahata said, “The first half has proved that it is content that matters hence movies like DUM LAGA KE HAISHA despite being made on shoe string budget is doing roaring business.”