When the dates were locked for Eid ul Azha 2018 releases ‘Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2’ was poised to lead the other releases. But due to the clash factor and other films being impressive in stature, it was anticipated that the final race to box office supremacy would be a close one. After nearly a week gone JPNA 2 not only has had a clear lead but has broken quite a few box office records and hearts. Having a mixed response from audience and critics alike, there have been debates about not bettering the first part or even eyebrows being raised at the pacing of the film. But what matters is that audience has flown to theaters and the makers are flying sky high. Let’s dissect the five reasons why JPNA2 absolutely ‘killed’ at the box office.
- Humayun Saeed the superstar
One cannot deny the fact that Humayun Saeed is bona fide superstar of the Pakistani film industry. The man who is believed to be a pioneer in reviving Pakistani cinema is a brand right now. He was always famous for his stints in Pakistani television industry but when he stepped in theatres with the 2013 film ‘Main Hoon Shahid Afridi’ which he also co-produced, audience accepted him with open arms. He hasn’t looked back since then, hits after hits have made him a nationally accepted actor. So he definitely has a following and loyal fan base that waits for his films. In simple words ‘Agr Humayun Saeed film mein hai tu woh chalay gi zaroor’
- The Nadeem Baig factor
Nadeem Baig, the director of film, has developed some sort of understanding with Humayun Saeed now. They started off with TV dramas and results were superb. Then Humayun Saeed entrusted Nadeem Baig with the first JPNA and it did wonders. Another fact to consider is that Nadeem Baig knows how to capture a theatrical film and showcase it on a grand canvas. Plus he knows what works with general Pakistani audience and hence tries to remain on those lines. His films and serials also have the feel good factor about them, a prime example is his previous film ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’
- New additions to the cast
Apart from the Indian actors Kunika, Kanwaljit Singh and Shehzad Khan JPNA2 includes new additions in form of Sohail Ahmed, Omer Shahzad, Kubra Khan, Mawra Hocane and most importantly Fahad Mustafa. Sohail Ahmed has a loyal following for his talk show stints and the leading ladies have their fare share of fans on social media. But the main addition that really propelled this sequel to higher standards is Fahad Mustafa’s inclusion. The man can do no wrong for a past couple of years. Be it his drama serials, reality show hosting or his films, he has been absolutely slaying competition. After Humayun Saeed if there’s a star in Pakistani film industry, then it has to be Fahad Mustafa. He has his haters but generally people love the guy for his nature and outspoken attitude. In short this man has been on a purple patch for a long time and his luck just added a pinch of success to the film.
- The grand production scale and music
Since the first look of the film dropped by, it showcased how royally it was shot. The grand scale and overseas feel oozed out of every teaser, trailer and song which was released. And audience loves a film that is shot on a mighty scale. From Turkey to Dubai, the films promotional strategies showcased it all. The on lookers truly believed that the sequel had stepped up on everything than before. Coming to the music of jpna2, everyone knows how important music is and what wonders a hit song can do. The first song ‘Behka re’ released and became a success instantly. Then gradually other songs were showcased each having a melodious beat. The last song which was released was ‘Lahore Terey Tay’ and has true potential to be playing at weddings for a long time. The album of JPNA2 was not path breaking but it helped built the required hype.
- Promotional strategy and powerhouse of screen timings
The key that lacks in Pakistani films is the nature of promotions. A number of films have suffered due to promotional strains like ‘Cake’ and ‘Chupan Chupai’ just to name a few. Makers of JPNA2 made multiple tie-ins with a number of brands, thus the film was everywhere. From a popular snack to a shampoo everyone had endorsed the film. It was really hard to miss the film no matter which part of Pakistan one belongs from. Plus the cast doing tours all over Pakistan and even overseas only helped matters in the best way. Lastly ‘ARY Films’ proved that they are a powerhouse. The consecutive hits under their banner had ensured cinema chain owners to allocate more screen time to JPNA2. Let’s not shy from the fact that jpna 2 looked like a film that will be preferred over the other 2 released films. Adding to their impressive resume was the fact that they own a leading media channel. Hence constant showcasing of their film became simpler than ever.
So all these factors combined together to make JPNA2 a blockbuster in the 1st week itself. Love it, hate it or give it the ‘yeh Bollywood ko copy kar rahay hain’ reaction, the fact that everyone will give this film a try is more than enough to justify it as a true winner at the box office.
