Do ex-lovers sell on screen?

With Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone returning on screen in Tamasha, after Ayan Mukerji’s blockbuster Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, it’s certainly one of the most awaited films of the year. The former lovers created a stir at the box office with their last film, which was soon after their breakup. Now again the excitement is palpable. So do ex-lovers have a
special draw for the audience?

The last time Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor came together for Agent Vinod, it had not worked at the box office. Ranbir and Katrina did Rajneeti when they had just started dating.

Trade analyst Rajesh Thadani says, “It helps the film in its opening definitely. We trade analysts look at the over-all package. So, for instance if there are ex-lovers in a film but the music or story is weak, then of course it wouldn’t work well at the box office. Tamasha of course has a buzz in the market. That helps from the audience’s point of view. But after the opening, it’s the overall film that matters.”

Deepika’s star power also has a lot to do with the film’s buzz, according to trade analyst Sanjay Ghai. “Deepika is the hero of the hour and she has saved a lot of films. Love Aajkal, Ram Leela, Chennai Express are a few of the films she has carried on her shoulders. Nowadays I don’t think kissing scenes help sell films. It’s the age of the Internet and nothing is hidden anymore. Had Deepika Padukone not been in this film, we wouldn’t have been discussing it so much. She has the capability of taking a film from a hit to a super hit. So her presence along with Ranbir Kapoor will definitely help in the opening of the film.”