Bollywood Instyle

Eklavya, according Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has made terrific initial collections; and the effervescent director is pleased as punch. “The film is running to full multiplexes and is doing roaring business in Delhi and Mumbai,” said Chopra, who could barely conceal his excitement. “In the first three days, in these two cities, the film has grossed more than Lage Raho Munna Bhai did in the same period.”

Carried on Chopra in the same vein, “There are two ways to look at a film like this. It is likely that single-screen theaters with inferior sound and projection systems, especially in non-metro cities, will see a drop in audience. The multiplex audience, however, have been most enthusiastic.”

The statistics, as revealed by the producers, say it all. On the opening day in Delhi, Eklavya was able generate Rs.1.85 crores worth of business, while in Mumbai the collections were Rs.1.76 crores. In comparison, Lage Raho Munna Bhai managed Rs.1.32 crores on day one. Eklavya has made Rs.5.5 crores in just three days in Mumbai.

The movie is reportedly doing good business in USA too. The demand for the movie has seen more prints being introduced in Los Angeles mid-week.

Since the movie is of just 107 minutes duration, the multiplexes have managed to squeeze in extra shows. The opening may have drawn formidable reviews, but conflicting reviews are ruining Chopra’s day. Many trade analysts have given the thumbs-down to Eklavya. According to analyst Vinod Mirani, “The appreciation for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya remains limited to the media. The paying public has rejected the film, making it a commercial failure.”

According to London-based The Evening Standard, Webber has offered Shilpa a meaty role in the famous musical Bombay Dreams. Shilpa, who became a household name overnight in UK because of the controversies she was involved in in the reality show Big Brother, has also been reported to be offered a role in a TV series How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? by Webber. The Bollywood actress’ spokesman Max Clifford too has confirmed Webber’s initiative at discussing some offers.

According to Clifford, the 31-year old actress is keen on accepting new challenges of a theater career after having spent 15 years as a Bollywood movie actress.

Shilpa is a highly sought after individual ever since her winning stint at Big Brother. She has been reportedly offered a handsome sum to write her memoirs in the reality show, with special reference to the controversial racist episode where she was badmouthed and insulted. She will also be busy negotiating numerous endorsement deals.

Webber had earlier approached Norah Jones to play the lead role. But, owing to her busy recording and shooting schedules, she turned down the offer. The role that Shilpa has been offered will depend on her singing skills.