Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (MKBKM), which was touted as the year’s first big release, couldn’t make a mark at the box office. There were high hopes riding on the film due to various reasons, including the fact that it’s a Vishal Bhardwaj film and features veteran actors Pankaj Kapur and Shabana Azmi. The music was also in the news for its freshness and the slick promos that made the movie look promising. Even though critics gave it a good rating, the movie’s box-office collection has been dismal. Trade analyst Komal Nahta says, “MKBKM is lengthy and boring. It entertains only in parts. That’s probably why it didn’t make a mark at the box office.”

Trade analyst Vinod Mirani adds, “It is a bad film. There’s no romance in the so-called love story.” The movie, which stars Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma in the lead, and was made on a budget of Rs. 33 cr, has managed to rake in only Rs. 22.42 cr so far. Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi says, “All of Vishal Bharadwaj’s films till date seem to have had the same core audience — the critics. Although they have always been received well, it’s also important for these films to bring positive returns to their investors. This can only happen if they appeal to a wider audience.” He adds, “While the weekend numbers have been fine, thanks to the popularity of Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma and the film’s wide release, the film nose dived at the box office on Monday. It will fail to give the investors a reason to smile.”