Ayushmann Khurrana last had a theatrical release, ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’ in February 2020. This was just a month before India went under a lockdown. The film’s overall business wasn’t encouraging but it opened very well. This was huge considering that it was a gay love story. The actor has found acceptance very well among audiences, especially those frequenting multiplexes. Hence, the expectations are there for his next film, ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’, under lockdown which is releasing tomorrow.
It is directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the director of acclaimed films like ‘Rock On’ (2008), ‘Kai Po Che’ (2013) and ‘Kedarnath’ (2018). ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’, however, looks very different from the rest of his films and is more in the youth-centric love story zone. Vaani Kapoor is paired opposite Ayushmann. The trailer does not give much idea about the plot but it is said to be the story of a trans woman and a body builder.
Thanks to the title, ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ has a good chance in the North, particularly Chandigarh and Delhi-NCR. In addition, class audiences in other metros will not mind watching a film with such a topic. The film will face challenges, as the trailer is decent and nothing great. Songs have not worked. However, what goes in its favour is that it is getting a solo release. ‘Tadap’ won’t be as strong in the second week. Hence, ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ will get six days to run uninterrupted before the release of the highly awaited film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. The first day collections can be in the range of Rs 2 to 4 crore and might go even higher if word of mouth is positive.
The other release of the week is ‘Velle’, starring Sunny Deol’s son, Karan Deol with Abhay Deol and Mouni Roy in supporting roles. It is the remake of the 2019 acclaimed Telugu film ‘Brochevarevarura’ and is presented by Ajay Devgn. The trailer of this film has been played in several cinemas of different multiplex chains compulsorily. However, it has not helped much in generating awareness, forget generating hype. Many viewers are not even aware that this film is getting released. Its day 1 collections can be disastrous and would be under Rs 20 to 25 lakhs.
