<p>Actor Richa Chadda's upcoming movie <em>Shakeela</em>, based on the life of the yesteryear star of the same name, might open to a decent response at the box office on Friday despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to DH, trade analyst LM Kaushik said the opening day net collection is likely to be around Rs two crore in a best-case scenario. </p>.<p>The film is also expected to make an okayish impact in Tamil Nadu as the erstwhile 'box office queen' is a popular name in the state. Industry tracker Ramesh Bala tells <em>DH </em>that the day one gross collection would be around Rs 75 lakh in a best-case scenario</p>.<p>The collection, however, would have been better if the makers had opted to shoot it in Tamil rather than releasing the dubbed version. </p>.<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/fashion-to-mahanati-four-movies-to-watch-before-richa-chaddas-shakeela-930999.html" target="_blank"> 'Fashion' to 'Mahanati': Four movies to watch before Richa Chadda's 'Shakeela'</a></strong></p>.<p>Either way, a lot will depend on whether it is able to draw a crowd despite the positive response to the Hollywood biggie <em>Wonder Woman 1984</em>. The Gal Gadot-starrer is likely to give Shakeela a run for its money in the metros. </p>.<p>While the trailer of <em>Shakeela </em>created a buzz with its sizzling presentation, a few feathers were ruffled as fans felt that it had a distinct <em>The Dirty Picture</em> feel. The Vidya Balan-starrer was inspired by the life of actor Silk Smitha, the star of Shakeela's first film <em>Play Girls</em>. Moreover, just like Richa's movie, it too revolved around the relationship between the protagonist and a reigning star. </p>.<p><em>Shakeela</em>, however, would not have been able to beat <em>The Dirty Picture</em> at the box office even if it was released during 'normal times' as opposed to the Covid-era. </p>.<p>The Ekta Kapoor-backed movie was shot on a bigger scale and had a more accomplished supporting cast that included Emraan Hashmi and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Shakeela, on the other hand, has produced by a less established production banner and marks Sandalwood director Indrajit Lankesh's Hindi debut. While it features Pankaj Tripathi in a key role, the fact is that 'Kaleen' is not as seasoned a performer as the <em>Hero Hiralal </em>actor. </p>.<p>That said and done, Shakeela might spring a surprise if the word of mouth is positive and it benefits from the Christmas holidays. </p>
<p>Actor Richa Chadda's upcoming movie <em>Shakeela</em>, based on the life of the yesteryear star of the same name, might open to a decent response at the box office on Friday despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to DH, trade analyst LM Kaushik said the opening day net collection is likely to be around Rs two crore in a best-case scenario. </p>.<p>The film is also expected to make an okayish impact in Tamil Nadu as the erstwhile 'box office queen' is a popular name in the state. Industry tracker Ramesh Bala tells <em>DH </em>that the day one gross collection would be around Rs 75 lakh in a best-case scenario</p>.<p>The collection, however, would have been better if the makers had opted to shoot it in Tamil rather than releasing the dubbed version. </p>.<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/fashion-to-mahanati-four-movies-to-watch-before-richa-chaddas-shakeela-930999.html" target="_blank"> 'Fashion' to 'Mahanati': Four movies to watch before Richa Chadda's 'Shakeela'</a></strong></p>.<p>Either way, a lot will depend on whether it is able to draw a crowd despite the positive response to the Hollywood biggie <em>Wonder Woman 1984</em>. The Gal Gadot-starrer is likely to give Shakeela a run for its money in the metros. </p>.<p>While the trailer of <em>Shakeela </em>created a buzz with its sizzling presentation, a few feathers were ruffled as fans felt that it had a distinct <em>The Dirty Picture</em> feel. The Vidya Balan-starrer was inspired by the life of actor Silk Smitha, the star of Shakeela's first film <em>Play Girls</em>. Moreover, just like Richa's movie, it too revolved around the relationship between the protagonist and a reigning star. </p>.<p><em>Shakeela</em>, however, would not have been able to beat <em>The Dirty Picture</em> at the box office even if it was released during 'normal times' as opposed to the Covid-era. </p>.<p>The Ekta Kapoor-backed movie was shot on a bigger scale and had a more accomplished supporting cast that included Emraan Hashmi and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Shakeela, on the other hand, has produced by a less established production banner and marks Sandalwood director Indrajit Lankesh's Hindi debut. While it features Pankaj Tripathi in a key role, the fact is that 'Kaleen' is not as seasoned a performer as the <em>Hero Hiralal </em>actor. </p>.<p>That said and done, Shakeela might spring a surprise if the word of mouth is positive and it benefits from the Christmas holidays. </p>