15 August, 2006
Mumbai, Juhu – Krishna Villa
Krishna sat on his sofa, watching audience reviews of his newly released movie on television.
Outside a theatre, a reporter from Cinema Times was interviewing people who had just watched the film.
Reporter:
"Hi, I'm a reporter from Cinema Times. Can you share your experience of the movie? How did you like it?"
Audience Member:
"The movie was very good, and Krishna looked really funny. I enjoyed it a lot."
Many college students praised Krishna's acting.
"The comedy scenes were amazing."
"His expressions were perfect."
"The dialogue timing was really good."
"I'm a big fan of Krishna. The movie was excellent."
The most talked-about scene was Krishna's comic performance, which had become very popular among the audience.
Krishna smiled as he watched people appreciating his acting skills.
Manoj looked at the reviews and said proudly,
"Oh, so we are stars now. Everything is ready. Krishna, I want to talk to you about something important."
"Please go ahead, Manoj," Krishna replied.
"Krishna, if you truly want to become a star, you need strong backing and a powerful public image. In Bollywood, stars are made when they work on big projects from production houses like YRF or Dharma Productions. You need good connections so they give you opportunities."
"I know, Manoj," Krishna said calmly.
"That's good. You know, stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan became huge because of movies from these production houses. You'll need their support if you want to reach that level."
"Okay, Manoj. Can you help me connect with them so I can get a chance?"
"I'll try. I'll visit both production houses and call you back."
Saying that, Manoj left Krishna's house.
Krishna leaned back on the sofa and thought to himself,
"To become a star in Hindi cinema, the support of big production houses is essential. Let's see how the future unfolds."
Box Office Collection – Apna Sapna Money Money
Day 1: ₹7 Cr
Day 2: ₹9 Cr
Day 3: ₹10 Cr
Day 4: ₹12 Cr
First Week: ₹38 Cr
Second Week: ₹20 Cr
Third Week: ₹10 Cr
Fourth Week: ₹7 Cr
Fifth Week: ₹7 Cr
Sixth Week: ₹6 Cr
Seventh Week: ₹2 Cr
India Net Collection: ₹90 Cr
India Gross Collection: ₹95 Cr
Worldwide Collection: ₹103 Cr
Verdict: Blockbuster
Apna Sapna Money Money became Krishna's first blockbuster and his first ₹100 crore movie.
A reporter commented,
"A low-budget comedy-drama crossing"
₹100 crore is truly shocking."
Another said,
"The movie has crossed ₹100 crore. Krishna has become a star. Can he rise even higher?"
Some analysts added,
"Not many big movies released during this period, which helped the film perform well."
Many positive reviews praised Krishna's performance. Using memories from his previous life, he had suggested several plot changes to the director, improving many scenes.
On one side, Krishna became an overnight star. On the other side, Saawariya was released on the same date.
Saawariya clashed with Om Shanti Om and failed at the box office.
Elsewhere
Ranbir Kapoor's manager said anxiously,
"My client's first movie has flopped. We need strong PR to protect his public image. Ranbir, don't be disappointed. Even if you flop now, you will definitely become a star in the future."
Ranbir replied calmly,
"I'm not sad, just disappointed. I really wanted my debut to release alongside a superstar like Shah Rukh Khan. If my film had released with Krishna, it would have definitely been a super hit. Let's move on. I have my second project. I'll rise again."
His manager said confidently,
"Yes, Ranbir. If your next movie releases alongside Krishna's, you'll win, and he'll lose."
Ranbir smirked coldly and said,
"In Bollywood, one becomes a star, and the other becomes a stepping stone."
New Offer
Manoj returned to Krishna's house with a new script offered by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd.
Krishna looked at the title:
Movie: Jab We Met
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Production House: Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd
Budget: Approximately ₹15 Crore
Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor (Geet) & Krishna (Aditya)
Short Summary:
Wealthy businessman Aditya Kashyap is heartbroken after his girlfriend leaves him. During a train journey, he meets the lively and talkative Geet. Her infectious energy slowly changes Aditya's gloomy outlook, leading them on an unexpected journey that heals them both and transforms their lives.
Krishna already knew this story and immediately agreed to the role.
"They're offering ₹5 crore," Manoj said.
"That's higher than other offers because you've delivered two consecutive super hits."
Shooting Phase
The shooting of Jab We Met began.
Kareena and Krishna shared great chemistry. Since they had already worked together in two movies, their comfort level was natural, and romantic scenes came easily.
After the movie wrapped up, Krishna and Kareena went on a promotional tour together.
Krishna smiled and said,
"It's my first time touring so many places."
Kareena teased him with a smile,
"Yes, I heard you don't even know how to travel romantically with a girl."
They walked quietly toward their cars.
"Goodbye," Krishna said.
"Goodbye, hero," Kareena replied with a warm smile.
9 January, 2007
Jab We Met released in theatres.
Public Reactions:
"Great chemistry, like Shah Rukh and Kajol."
"Romantic and comedy scenes were amazing."
"Beautiful drama with emotional moments."
Krishna was extremely happy with the response.
However, on the same day, Ranbir Kapoor's second movie Bachna Ae Haseeno, which also featured Krishna, released and received mixed reviews.
"Good movie, but Ranbir's character felt shallow."
"Nice songs, but the heroine didn't leave much impact."
Box Office – Jab We Met
Day 1: ₹8 Cr
Day 2: ₹10 Cr
Day 3: ₹12 Cr
Day 4: ₹14 Cr
First Week: ₹44 Cr
Second Week: ₹30 Cr
Third Week: ₹25 Cr
Fourth Week: ₹15 Cr
Fifth Week: ₹10 Cr
Sixth Week: ₹5 Cr
Seventh Week: ₹3 Cr
Eighth Week: ₹3 Cr
India Net Collection: ₹95 Cr
India Gross Collection: ₹105 Cr
Worldwide Collection: ₹135 Cr
Verdict: Blockbuster
Jab We Met became the highest-grossing film of Krishna's career.
Bachna Ae Haseeno – Box Office
Budget: ₹23 Cr
Collection: ₹30 Cr
Verdict: Average
Due to the massive success of Jab We Met, audiences focused less on Bachna Ae Haseeno, and theatres gradually reduced its screens.
Krishna won the first box office clash against Ranbir Kapoor.
Can he win again?
Only time will tell.