Bharat Box Office Prediction Day 1: India v South Africa WC 2019 match will impact Salman Khan's Eid release

Another year, another Salman Khan movie release on Eid. The Bhai of Bollywood returns to the big screen after almost a year with Bharat. The actor was last seen in Race 3, another Eid release. While the movie minted money, it was not liked by all. However, Eid 2019 seems to paint a different picture. The Ali Abbas Zafar directorial is hitting the cinemas around a positive buzz. The movie's trailer has been well-received and fans are loving the songs as well. However, trade analyst Girish Johar says that the World Cup match between India vs South Africa will impact the movie. 

Speaking to Pinkvilla exclusively, he said that the movie will face competition from the WC match. "Yes, the India-South Africa match will definitely affect Bharat. However, it all boils down to how the film is. If the film is on a sticky wicket then obviously the audience would say 'Pehle match dekh lete hai, kal movie dekh lete hai.' If the film is very good, reviews and word of mouth is very strong, I think the dent (caused by the WC match) will be there but to a minuscule level," he said. 

Girish feels director Zafar will be the key to Bharat's success. "Salman is coming with all his aces: Ali Abbas Zafar, Katrina Kaif and Salman himself being a key ace. So he's placing all three aces this time on Eid," he explained. "People will come for Salman Khan. But the key is Ali Abbas," he added. He feels that Ali collaboration with Salman will work wonders at the box office. The last two times Ali and Salman movies, Tiger Zinda Hai and Sultan, have had a successful run at the box office. So there is no two ways about Bharat. 

However, he also feels that the story and presentation will play a huge role. Given that the audiences have changed in the past five years, the way the movie is presented to them matters. "Audiences choices have changed. They have become stricter in terms of watching quality content. They are getting content from all directions. They don't mind masala entertainers, Simmba and Total Dhamaal have proved that," he says before adding that people are a concern if the movie stands true to the picture depicted in the promos. 

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With two days to go for Bharat's release, Girish predicts an opening of Rs 30 to 40 crores. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for all box office updates.