IMAGE: Ajay Devgn and Tabu in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha.

Just when things started looking good in theatres with Bad Newz, last week’s twin releases — Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha and Ulajh — have proved to be party-poopers.

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has been ready for a while but Ajay Devgn wanted to release Shaitaan first, followed by the much delayed Maidaan.

He wanted to place this Neeraj Pandey love story next before his actioner, Singham Again, during Diwali.

Interestingly, Devgn is not even the solo lead in AMKDT. Yes, it’s his presence that has been promoted to bring in the audiences but for a large part of the narrative, Shantanu Maheshwari — who plays Devgn’s younger version — is seen on screen.

The opening weekend collections are merely Rs 5.75 crore* (Rs 57.5 million), which are the lowest for Ajay Devgn in the longest time.

IMAGE: Janhvi Kapoor in Ulajh.

Janhvi Kapoor was last seen in Mr And Mrs Mahi, which has taken a good start, courtesy ticket prices that were kept at merely Rs 99 for the first day.

Post that, the film managed lifetime collections of over Rs 30 crore (Rs 300 million) only.

In case of Ulajh, one knew that the opening numbers would not be on the same lines as Mr And Mrs Mahi, since it’s a niche film, narrated in a realistic manner.

So the first day collections were in line as well with Rs 1.37 crore (Rs 13.7 million) coming in.

But collections needed to jump massively for the film to make an impression.

Unfortunately, the first weekend collection stand at a mere Rs 6 crore* (Rs 60 million).

With such numbers, one can’t expect any turnaround.

Both films will likely be off the screens once Independence Day releases arrive on Thursday, August 15.

*Estimates. Final numbers awaited.
Note: All collections as per various box office sources.