'Besharam' slammed by critics, but takes thunderous start at box office
With no big ticket films hitting the marquee in the coming weeks, the trade was relying heavily on Ranbir Kapoor's Besharam to work its magic at the turnstiles, and unsurprisingly, the film has delivered at the box office, at least initially, by becoming the third highest opener of all time.
According to figures compiled by Box Office India, the comic caper took a flying start with multiplexes in India recording in the region of 90%, with the highest opening being in Delhi, where the film is running to packed houses.
What may work against the film, however, are the reviews which are mostly unfavourable.
"As a Ranbir fan, one would not really mind the movie. But it does not make an impact as Dabbang did for its hero," said the Zee News review.
Sukanya Verma from Rediff too slated the film going as far as to say, "Besharam is so unbelievably sloppy and senseless, not even the best actors in the business can redeem it no matter how hard they try."
Rohit Khilnani from India Today had only negative things to say about the film:
"All the actors are simply wasted as the plot doesn't give them any scope to entertain.
Taran Adarsh, who usually has a thing for massy entertainers tore the film to shreds saying, "On the whole, this film proves the adage 'All that glitters is not gold' absolutely right. Besharam is a huge disappointment!"
The film was a litmus test for both Kapoor and director Abhinav Singh Kashyap — for Kapoor because it's the first time the actor's playing a completely mass oriented 'bindaas' character, and for Kashyap because he needs to prove his mettle post Dabangg which released more than three years ago.
Whether Besharam rises above the unfavourable reviews remains to be seen, but whatever its outcome, it's unlikely that it will affect Ranbir Kapoor's star power, which has been going from strength to strength over the past couple of years.
The film, produced by Himanshu Mehra, Sanjeev Gupta and Reliance Entertainment, has a budget of Rs.60 crore plus the cost of promotions, marketing and advertising.
Ranbir Kapoor and Pallavi Sharda in Besharam
Besharam also stars Ranbir's actor-parents Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh and newcomer Pallavi Sharda, who's hoping to hit the big league with this massive film.
Have you seen the film? Do let us know what you thought of it below!
Synopsis: Besharam
Babli (Ranbir Kapoor) is a street smart car mechanic living in a Delhi orphanage. He is charming and lives life to the fullest. He also steals cars to support his orphanage. He has no sense of right or wrong till he unwittingly hurts the love of his life, Tara (Pallavi Sharda) and is chased by cop couple Chulbul Chautala (Rishi Kapoor) and Bulbul Chautala (Neetu Kapoor). Babli realizes that there is no right way of doing the wrong thing. Babli sets out to fix all the wrongs in his life and he continues to be shameless about it.
Videos: Besharam
What audiences are saying about Besharam on Twitter
Theatrical Trailer: Besharam
