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EXCLUSIVE: Dinesh Vijan on Roohi opening weekend at box-office: It’s a team victory, cinemas are back big time
For the first time since the release of Roohi, producer Dinesh Vijan opens up about taking the risk of bringing it on the big screen, the rising Covid cases in Mumbai, Lockdown fear and more.
Dinesh Vijan is a happy man today and why not, his risk of releasing Roohi in the midst of pandemic has got the cycle rolling again for cinema owners across India. The film recorded an opening weekend of Rs 12 crore plus, and has held steady on Monday as well, which will ensure a healthy trend through the week days as well. Ecstatic about the numbers, Dinesh shares, “The most important thing is that theatres are back and people are coming to experience the big screen again. I was at a hall in Delhi and seeing the audience react to every small nuance of our film was just beautiful. From being the first Hindi release in the pandemic to reaching these numbers, it’s just an amazing feeling.”
He goes ahead to inform that his production house through the years have churned out films that are meant to be enjoyed on the big screen. “We were built by theatres, so we owed the return to the big screen to them,” he smiles, adding further, “A special mention should also go out to our Jio and Jyoti Deshpande, who have been our long-time partners, they were equally instrumental in bringing Roohi to the cinemas.” When asked about his expectations from the weekdays trend of this Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma fronted horror comedy and he reveals, “The film has held very well today (Monday). In-fact, we also had a call with single screens and they are so happy to have people back.”
Neither of us ever doubted the call to release the film. I am very happy that the film is doing great now
Dinesh Vijan
Over the last 10 days, there have been rumours in the media about a complete lockdown in Maharashtra. The cases in the state were also on a rise, starting just a week before the release of Roohi. Was that ever a matter of concern? “An important principle I follow is to take a decision and make it right. Regardless of what we do, once a decision is made, we don’t question it and make way for doubt, it really complicates things. Jyoti says this too, to never let doubt come in the way. Neither of us ever doubted the call to release the film. I am very happy that the film is doing great now,” Dinesh insists.
When asked about the fear of another lockdown, he sighed, “There were so many rumours floating around another lockdown happening in certain places and people being apprehensive to step out. But deep down, I honestly felt that the moment Roohi’s trailer was out and the incredible way this film was promoted by the marketing teams at Jio and Maddock, people would really want to watch our movie on the big screen. So, we didn’t let doubt creep in and there was relentless teamwork behind the scenes to make sure audiences are excited to come back to the theatre. In the end, I see this as a complete team victory.”
We didn’t let doubt creep in and there was relentless teamwork behind the scenes to make sure audiences are excited to come back to the theatre
Dinesh Vijan
He promises that post Roohi, he is gearing up the next round of releases for the cinema halls. “Next up is Mimi, followed by Shiddat, then Hum Do Hamare Do as well as Bhediya and Dasvi. They will all see a theatrical release. Hell yeah, cinemas are back, they are back big time,” he signs off with a wide smile.
Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for exclusive day five estimate of Roohi.
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