At local cinemas, it's hooray for Bollywood
At Entertainment Cinemas in Cambridge's Fresh Pond Mall, lines were longer, crowds were bigger, and anticipation was running higher than usual last weekend.
It was a Bollywood film -- a first for this multiplex -- with more color, singing, dancing, and emotional drama than the usual Hollywood flick, that beckoned the crowds. Bollywood refers to Mumbai's film industry, the most famous in South Asia.
Many fans were disappointed to find sold-out shows. Some had ventured from as far as Burlington, Vt., and Providence, according to promoters, to watch the most awaited Bollywood movie of the year, ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna," or ``Never Say Goodbye."
Mohsin Chaudhari, a Newton resident who works at a travel agency, left work early on the opening day of the movie, and bought tickets at 7 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show that Friday.
``After that, I just hung around," said Chaudhari. He was there with his sister, Sarah Chaudhari; their parents are from Lahore, Pakistan, and Sarah is an ardent admirer of Bollywood films. ``I love the singing and dancing. Although the storyline is unrealistic, it's always fun to watch them," she said.
With its extravagant sets, stylish costumes, and $10 million budget, ``Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" is one of the most expensive Bollywood films to date, and had grossed $1.3 million nationally in 64 theaters by last Sunday.
Because the Somerville Theater, the area's usual home for Hindi films, was undergoing repairs, promoters moved the show to Entertainment Cinemas. The turnout prompted Bill Hanney, the complex's president and owner, to say he hopes to bring in more Bollywood films.
Hanney would not specify ticket sales, but said the movie easily outsold any other film there last weekend.
``Other theaters in the Boston area have shown Indian movies in the past," he added, ``but parking at our theater was much more convenient than others."
The Somerville Theater expects to show more Bollywood films after the work on its main movie space is finished, according to owner Richard Fraiman. ``We will welcome business after renovation is complete, which will be Sept. 2," he said. The theater is still showing other films.
The remarkable ticket sales and the rising number of theaters showcasing Bollywood films indicate that they may be becoming more profitable and mainstream.
Anil Mehrotra, the owner of BombayCinema.com, an online ticket sales outlet, said a check of receipts showed purchases by fans from across New England, mostly for Saturday's show.
One reason for the turnout was lead actor Shah Rukh Khan, among the highest-paid stars in India. ``I came to see the movie because of the star cast," said Mohsin Chaudhari.
The film is a slight departure from director Karan Johar's more escapist previous films. Chandan Belani of Roxbury, who checked the Internet every day for two weeks to make sure he got tickets, said, ``It's time that Indian movies need a change -- and no one can pull it off better than Karan Johar."
Kashmira Patel, a Concord resident who moved to the United States from Mumbai, or Bombay, 25 years ago, was at the theater with her husband and some friends.
``The main attraction for this movie is the star cast," says Patel. ``But, above all, I love watching these movies to get a glimpse of the latest Indian styles."
Not all viewers were longtime Hindi film fans.
Karie Lavalley, who works in Boston, showed up for her first taste of Bollywood.
``I have experienced Indian culture through the food, and now I will through movies."
