He churns out bestsellers which tempt filmmakers into bringing them to the big screen.
The success ratio of Hindi movies inspired by Chetan Bhagat’s books has so far been high, and with the promising response to 2 States, he seems to be cementing his space in the Bollywood circuit.
“My readers’ silent support is my biggest strength. Today you displayed it to the nation. Thank you for the phenomenal opening. 2 States,” Bhagat posted on Friday, the day when 2 States hit screens across India.
The movie is based on his bestseller 2 States: The Story Of My Marriage about a couple coming from two different Indian states. It was an instant hit in 2009.
Inspired by the real-life story of the north Indian author and his wife, who is from Tamil Nadu, the book found a connection with youth and elders alike. Now, the movie seems to be working its magic with viewers of all age groups and managed an opening day collection of over Rs12 million (Dh729,600) “commendable”, according to trade analysts.
In the lead roles are Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, two of the most talented young actors. Like others their age, the two actors also have memories attached to the book.
Bhatt found it to be “beautiful”, Kapoor has said the bestseller has occupied a space on his late mother Mona Shourie Kapoor’s bookshelf up to now.
Whether 16 or 60, people of different sensibilities, generations and ideas are flocking to the theatres to watch the movie, about two states, different cultures, families and one love story.
Even celebrities are loving it.
Commenting on the movie, Amitabh Bachchan has said: “2 States... I like. All aspects just so correct — writing, directing, music and performances.”
Actor Vivek Oberoi tweeted: “In my opinion Chetan Bhagat is by far the most successful contemporary Indian writer of our times! His individual fan following is epic. He has an incredible ability to communicate, especially with the youth.”
No wonder then that Bhagat’s waltz with Bollywood seems to be just getting better with every novel that’s turned into a movie.
2 States is the fourth out of his five works to be made into a film.
Two managed to paint a successful box office story — 3 idiots (based on Five Point Someone) and Kai Po Che! (based on The 3 Mistakes Of My Life), although Hello, inspired by his One Night @ the Call Centre did not get a great reception.
Nevertheless, following the success of Kai Po Che! last year, it was only natural for viewers and readers to have high expectations from the Abhishek Varman-directed 2 States.
In times when remakes and sequels are swarming around Bollywood, Bhagat is among the few new-age authors whose books have been constantly picked by filmmakers for the big screen.
Bhagat, in a recent interview, said: “I like to reach more Indians and movies help me do so. The bigger the audience I have, the more likely they are to read my non-fiction columns on national issues or be interested in my views.”
