'Dhadak': Outrage about nepotism, but it's making KJo's Dharma richer
With the announcement of 'Dhadak', the big (and tiring) nepotism debate started all over again. The issue was raised in uncountable interviews, and mentor Karan Johar was slammed again and again (not that he cared). However, the first-day collection of 'Dhadak' shows the outrage didn't affect viewers, as the movie has earned Rs. 8.71 crore on release day. KJo has emerged the star, again.
Just like 'Dhadak', 'Student Of The Year' too starred two products of nepotism: Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan. Despite a bad story, and being a movie even KJo wasn't proud of, SOTY earned Rs. 7.48 crore on the first day. 'Dhadak' has become the highest grosser featuring newcomers: Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. Interestingly, a Dharma movie has trumped another offering of theirs.
On release day, 'Dhadak' earned more than 'Hero' (Rs. 6.85 crore), 'Heropanti' (Rs. 6.63 crore), 'Ishaqzaade' (Rs. 4.54 crore), 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' (Rs. 3.45 crore), 'Saawariya' (Rs. 3 crore) and 'Vicky Donor' (Rs. 2 crore). All the aforementioned movies had at least one debutant actor in the lead pair. Trade experts believe 'Dhadak' may earn Rs. 20 crore in the first weekend.
Directed by Shashank Khaitan, 'Dhadak' is set in Rajasthan and focuses on a forbidden love story of a rich girl (Janhvi) with a poor boy (Ishaan). The original movie, 'Sairat', starring Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar got brilliant reviews for its portrayal of honor-killing. While performances of the lead pair of 'Dhadak' was appreciated, the movie, said some critics, didn't do justice to 'Sairat'.
The splendid start of 'Dhadak' shows audiences care less about nepotism debate, but in the end want a movie which appeals to them. 'Dhadak' has again established how well Karan Johar understands business, and he doesn't give a thought if naysayers keep targeting him for being 'mafia of nepotism'. As he recently said, it's his choice after all. Nepotism or not, Dharma is winning.
