The last big film of the year, ‘Cirkus’, will release tomorrow and it’s riding on a lot of expectations. It is directed by Rohit Shetty, who’s considered a hit machine with Ranveer Singh playing the lead. The last time both came together for ‘Simmba’ (2018), they ended up giving a Rs. 200 Crore plus blockbuster. Also, the film seems like a fun comic entertainer and a film ideal for the whole family. Apart from Ranveer, ‘Cirkus’ also stars Varun Sharma and both feature in double roles. Jacqueline Fernandez and Pooja Hegde are the female leads. The film also has several supporting actors like Johny Lever, Siddharth Jadhav, Tiku Talsania, Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Patkar, Ashwini Kalsekar, Mukesh Tiwari, Vrajesh Hirjee, Brijendra Kala, etc. All of them have been displayed on the posters and it’s heartening to see how they were also made a part of the promotions.
‘Cirkus’ has two surprises. One is that Ranveer’s wife Deepika Padukone features in an item number “Current Laga Re”. Secondly, Rohit Shetty has attempted a ‘Cirkus’-‘Golmaal’ crossover. ‘Cirkus’ is set in the ’60s and ’70s and the characters of ‘Golmaal Again’ (2017) are seen in the film as kids.
Despite so many plusses, the buzz for ‘Cirkus’ is limited. This is because the trailer has been met with a mixed response. Many felt the trailer was barely funny. As a result, the advance booking hasn’t been strong yet. It has shocked the trade and industry as many expected the film to open at Rs. 20 or Rs. 25 Crore. However, as of now, it seems like it’ll open in the range of Rs. 10 and 13 Crore. If it opens in single digits, it’ll be a shocker and that’s not good news for the industry that hasn’t had a great year. Also, ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ has emerged as a huge hit and it’ll take away some shows.
But all hope is not lost. Many moviegoers have opted for a wait-and-watch. If the response is positive, ‘Cirkus’ will see a jump from Friday evening, and Saturday and Sunday will also be huge. From Rs. 10 Crore, it can jump to Rs. 25 or 27 Crore on Sunday. Also, it has no competition till Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Pathaan’, which releases on January 25, 2023. The sky will be the limit for ‘Cirkus’ if the public accepts it. But in case the audience rejects the film, it’ll prove detrimental, especially when it’s not going to open to big numbers.
