By: Keyur Seta

Director: Kannan Iyer

Producers: Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Pvt. Ltd. and Balaji Telefilms

Writers: Vishal Bhardwaj and Mukul Sharma

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi, Konkana Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin, Annu Kapoor

Music: Vishal Bhardwaj

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Release Date: April 19, 2013

Analysis:

Star Value: Emraan Hashmi has, over the years, successfully acquired an image of a quality performer, than just a serial-kisser. Hence, his presence surely adds star value to a film. Ek Thi Daayan not only has another quality performer in Konkana Sen Sharma, it also features Huma Qureshi, who is slowly earning name as a brilliant actor after Gangs of Wasseypur. Therefore, the star value for Ek Thi Daayan is high.

Hype: The first eerie promo of the movie created a good amount of hype. But as the film has neared its release, the excitement hasn’t gone to higher levels, although it is surely there.

Music: The track ‘Yaaram’ is slowly becoming famous and giving a good amount of publicity to the film. The rest of the songs aren’t that known, although they are good melodious numbers by Bhardwaj. It seems the songs will gain popularity if the film attains high success.

Prediction:

Due to the dark subject, Ek Thi Daayan will get a decent to good opening at the box office but only in metros. The film will struggle at the smaller centers and single screens, although its chances are not that negative.

It is very vital for the film to receive thumbs up initially if it has to succeed at the ticket window, else it will struggle to make the producers happy. This will largely depend on the suspense of the climax. If it manages to shock and convince the audience, it is expected to have a good run. The good thing for Ek Thi Daayan is that the big release next week is Aashiqui 2, which shouldn’t be a threat.