As ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 reaches its last league, cricket euphoria has gripped the nation. While a billion fans are betting high on India's chances in the tournament, Bollywood has taken a defensive stance in this cricket-heavy season. With only four B-budget releases since the start of the World Cup in mid-February — Tanu Weds Manu, Yeh Dooriyaan, Phirr and Shagird – film producers are anticipating a lull in the multiplexes and playing it safe.
Not a single Bollywood film releases between March 12 and March 31, which sees the last phase of the league matches, quarter-finals and semi-finals of the World Cup being played out between teams.
Film trade analyst Komal Nahta said, “The cricket season is a lean period for the film industry. Attendance in the theatres falls by almost 25-30%. Hence, producers avoid the risk of releasing big budget films during this season....
