THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jan 12, 2024, 07:31:21 IST
‘Merry Christmas’ finally hits the silver screen today, January 12! The Sriram Raghavan directorial, described as “a genre-defying tale” will release nationwide today, giving fans a thrilling start to the new year 2024. Shot in two languages, the film features two distinct supporting casts. The Hindi version boasts a cast including Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kannan, and Tinnu Anand, while the Tamil rendition stars Radhika Sarathkumar, Shanmugaraja, Kevin Jay Babu, and Rajesh Williams in equivalent roles.The film also marks Katrina’s first on-screen collaboration with Vijay. The actress, a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry, expressed her enthusiasm working with Vijay and declared the South star as “the best performer.” Sharing insights into their collaboration, she commended, “Sriram sir gave the actors a lot of space before the shoot, and we had a lot of discussion. When I watched the final result, what I saw between Vijay and my character was surprising.”Vijay reciprocated the praise, acknowledging Katrina’s industry experience and applauding her collaborative and open-minded approach on set. At a press conference, the actor recalled, “I met her first time in Sriram sir’s office and as soon as she entered the office there was such a healthy conversation. She likes to discuss more and listen more. There was a better understanding between us on the set. So much I gained and learned from her.”Ahead of the January 12 release, the makers held a star-studded premiere, which was attended by b-town stars including Vicky Kaushal, Sunny Kaushal, Sharvari Wagh, Neha Dhupia, Kabir Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ananya Panday, Radhika Madan, Shanaya Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor, among others. Originally slated for a December release, the film’s promotional campaign included captivating posters, an engaging trailer, and melodious songs, with the latest addition being the soul-stirring romantic love song ‘Raat Akeli Thi,’ unveiled online on Wednesday.Anticipation now surrounds the box office performance with initial predictions hinting at a nett collection or Rs 2 crore across India on its opening day, spanning both languages. Notably, there is speculation about the potential of this performance marking a significant moment for Katrina Kaif, potentially challenging her lowest opening in a decade, a record currently held by her 2022 release, ‘Phone Bhoot’.The film’s release timing adds an extra layer of intrigue, considering the historical challenges associated with January releases. While many inaugural January releases in the past 15 years have struggled at the box office, exceptions like Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ and Ajay Devgn’s ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ offer hope for ‘Merry Christmas’ as it stands as a solo release in the market. This positioning could allow the film to leverage positive word of mouth, paving the way for a successful opening weekend and an extended run in theaters.Read Less