Failure inspires conversations like few other things do. Estimates about the losses which Yash Raj Films would incur due to the failure of its War 2 has set tongues wagging. Figures are being thrown around with such authority that it has become a joke. “All that YRF has earned in Saiyaara, it will lose in War 2,” is the most classic and uncryptic comment one has heard repeatedly in the last five days. Of course, the loaded comment is as far removed from reality as the statement that AI will render all actors useless now.
For those who do not know, YRF will make a profit of approximately Rs. 300 crore in Saiyaara whereas the losses in War 2 will not be more than Rs. 65-70 crore. Now, does a gain of Rs. 300 crore even compare with a loss of Rs. 65-70 crore? So how on earth can the profits from Saiyaara be wiped out by the losses of the War sequel?
For those who are wondering, how Saiyaara can ultimately yield such a staggering figure of gains, they must understand that besides its estimated India net collection total of Rs. 350 crore or thereabouts, the film will end up grossing nearly $20 million Overseas, and the revenue from its music alone could be in the region of Rs. 100 crore.
Clearly, the hard reality is that this scenario of super-success of YRF’s one film and flopping of its other film a month later does not ‘War’rant comparison at all. For, even after taking into account the losses in War 2, there’s still a ‘flood’ of profits accruing to the production house in the final tally, thanks to Saiyaara. Yes, the torrential downpour in Bombay in the last two days may have left the city crippled, but even a flood can sometimes be great — especially, when it is of profits!
