Well, we had long suspected that Happy New Yearwas going to make a happy entry into the blockbuster club. The only question that loomed large was how grand would the opening day collections be. Considering that they had let slip the Lakshmi pooja holiday in order to ensure a good first day, the gamble has certainly paid off, what with reports of an impressive Rs.108.86 crore (Rs.44.97 crore first day earning) weekend collection, to say the least.

With the fantastic collections, riding on the back of its primary attraction Shah Rukh Khan, the debate on the watch-worthiness quotient of the filmi formula has started all over again. Does HNY, a classic Hindi formula film that has been watched by multitudes and enjoyed, suggests that this particular genre, unique to India quite like our brand of South films is here to stay?

In the rough and tumble of Bollywood, there is no greater comfort or show of strength than setting the record straight with impressive collections; widespread critical acclaim still finishes second in the sweepstakes.

As things stand, King Khan’s star-power has been gloriously underscored by the runaway success of Happy New Year. After all, Bollywood’s big boys are expected to fetch big digits, and Khan has certainly passed this litmus test with flying colours.

The stage is now set for the next mega release to live up to the challenge of matching the numbers.

On a lighter note, HNY, besides the humongous BO figures has other forms and figures that have generated much interest too!

Interestingly enough, Farah Khan ever so often known for making her heroines look like a dream—recall Sushmita Sen in Main Hoon Na and Deepika Padukone in Om Shanti Om, threw in her lot this once with the heroes. Padukone, elegant as always shone through HNYbut this once, (Farah) Khan went the whole hog with upping the male glamour quotient in the film. It was two for the price of one, as there was Shah Rukh Khan’s display of the lean- mean eight pack, at the receiving end of much attention besides Sonu Sood’s frequent bouts of exhibitionism. If women in the film kept gesticulating to Sood to “call them”, women in the audience were wondering how they could possibly call Khan to compliment him on his droolworthy physique!

There was also the villain of the piece, Jackie Shroff; suave and immaculate from the raise of his eyebrow or his evil sneer did little to diminish his magnificent screen presence and had everyone sit up and take notice. Incidentally, Jaggu dada, as he is fondly referred to, has been quite the scene- stealer at media conferences too, what with his refreshing candour and tapori speak! In a lighter vein, Abhishek Bachchan’s very own version of the snake dance upped the fun quotient immensely and stood out for the zany quality that only Bachchan Jr can bring to the table.

As for the woman who put it all together, director Farah Khan is likely to witness Bollywood’s leading male stars willing to dance to her tunes all over again.