Priyanka Chopra who had gone missing from the marketing and publicity of her new filmJai Gangaajal, has suddenly given the film unexpected curiosity-value, thanks to her high-profile presence at the Oscars this weekend where she seemed to have dazzled her fans.
Soon after she joined the Baywatch crew where she dazzled some more. Would Priyanka’s triumphant show in the US benefit the film?
The Mumbai film industry is divided on this. A prominent filmmaker who has worked with Priyanka in the past, protests, “Do you think the average man in Bareilly or Bhopal gives a damn about how beautiful she looked at the Oscars and that she gave away the trophy for best editing? Priyanka’s performance in Jai Gangaajal would be judged on its own merits. But one thing …After Neerja, this is a good time for the female hero.”
Trade pundit Taran Adarsh is cautious in his optimism. “The Oscars and Baywatch have given ample mileage to Priyanka’s popularity. However, when it comes to benefiting a movie, any and every movie works due to its content.”
However Taran concedes Priyanka is going through an unprecedented phase. “Priyanka is going through a great phase on her professional front, while Jai Gangaajal is carrying excellent pre-release reports. I am sure the film will score due to its merits and am equally confident that Priyanka has delivered a bravura performance. Her being part of a Hollywood project or hosting the Oscars is akin to major achievements.”
Trade analyst Atul Mohan thinks Priyanka’s virtuoso performance in the West will add to the sale ability of Jai Gangaajal. “I must say Prakash Jha is really blessed. He couldn’t have timed the release of Jai Gangaajal with the Oscars or Baywatch happening to Priyanka Chopra. But they have happened to her career, and it’s all adding up.”
Will Priyanka’s Jai Gangaajal benefit from her presence at the Oscars? You decide.
