Come Thursday, and cinema goers in India may be in a position to relive their "Titanic" moments once again, but in 3D. While fans are excited to observe the epic James Cameron film, theatre owners and distributors here doubt if it'll pull within the crowds.
The original "Titanic", a love story with the 1912 sinking of the ship as its backdrop, which was released in 1997 and won 11 Oscars, grossed $1.843-billion worldwide. It made around Rs.500 million (nearly $1 million) in India alone.
The 3D version of the film, to be released in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, is in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and a distinct tribute to the tragedy that claimed several lives.
Fans, including Bollywood star Bipasha Basu, are upbeat.
"Looking forward to watching 'Titanic' in 3D! Once I first saw 'Titanic', I cried so much, I NEED TO have finished a complete tissue box! Able to do it again," tweeted Bipasha.
For Sandeep Verma, a way blogger, "Titanic" is without doubt one of the epic films ever made and watching it on 3D could be a distinct adventure altogether.
"As probably the most biggest movies ever made, 'Titanic' continues to be liked by millions and i'm no exception. I still try to not miss it when it's aired on TV," Verma told.
"Watching it in 3D is tempting purely as a result of intensity of the tale and the aura that each one the characters have. I'm sure it is going to get the same quantity of audiences because it did over a decade ago," he said.
This time around, audiences have one more reason to seem forward to the film -- the censor board has kept away from using its scissors at the sensational scene by which actor Leonardo DiCaprio sketches a nude Kate Winslet.
The movie, which narrates the affection story between socialite Rose Bukater and commoner Jack Dawson on board the Titanic, was passed with none cuts and has received a transparent U/A censor rating by the censors in India.
To this, Kunal Rana, a Mumbai-based fan of the film, said: "I'm keen to look the special effects, amazing sounds and the nice scene of the sinking ship within the new edition. I totally believe James Cameron, who wants fans to bear in mind 'the wreck and its message.'"
The 3D version may even prove to be a treat for all individuals who missed "Titanic" at the big screen 15 years back.
"I missed the 2D version in a theatre hall. This time I shall opt for the movie in a theatre. I'M HOPING the 3D effect can be awesome," said Tanya Talwar, a theatre artist from Bangalore.
Though the thrill among fans is palpable, theatre owners feel "Titanic 3D" won't get the anticipated audience as most fans have watched the film multiple times over the years.
"There is not any buzz as people have already seen the movie very long time back. Also since there's no action sequence within the movie, except the climax, people will hardly get to feel the 3D effect within the movie," Puneet Sahay of Spice Cinemas told.
"The length of the movie may be a large problem. It is a long movie -- of a duration of 3 hours and QUARTER-HOUR. And if one includes trailers, it is going to be three hours and 45 minutes long. So we're planning just four shows."
Amit Shah, programming head of DT cinemas, says the truth that the movie is releasing only a day before Akshay Kumar-starrer "Housefull 2" hits the screens, will affect the footfall.
He said: "PERSONS ARE excited to observe 'Titanic 3D', but because the movie is coming an afternoon before 'Housefull 2', we will be able to initially keep five to 6 shows after which after seeing the response, increases the shows.
"I hope that word of mouth publicity can assist the movie in getting more audience," added Shah.
Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan feels the high ticket price of a 3D film - priced Rs.50 higher than others - and limited screens for it might play spoilsport for the movie's business.
"Since there are limited screens for 3D movies, I'm doubtful that the movie could have any buzz. Also, the ticket rates for 3D movies are higher in India, and that is also one of the most drawbacks. Why would somebody pay double the volume for a film which has already been seen by such a lot of people in India?" Mahajan told.
"I think the production company is expecting an excessive amount of from the Indian market. Limited people can afford to shop for such expensive tickets and that still for an English movie," he added.
