Year 2002 was certainly a disaster for the legendary Hindi cinema. 132 films in which 124 were box-office bombs. Bollywood had big banner, big budgeted, big starred movies and small ones either of them had any luck at box office. Some of them were of poor quality, same formulae or remake of some south Indian film. Many of the big production houses considered the year as black year and shifted their releases to next year.

 

Bollywood's most expensive venture ever was 'Devdas'. It costed 10 million dollars over a span of two years. Though the film did well in India, it failed to make a profit because of the making cost. The same fate was in store for films like 'K3G', 'Raaz', 'Anken', 'Humraaz' where performance varied from region to region.

 

The sinking of the Bhagat Singhs. Between Guddu Dhanoa and Raj kumar Santoshi the industry lost some crores of rupees and the poor martyr lost his fame. 'Om Jai Jagdish' directoral debut of Anupam Kher was another disaster. 'Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche' debut of Esha Deol ended up losing more than seven crores at the BO. 'Haan Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya' and 'Shakti' fizzled out.

 

'Mujse Dosti Karoge', 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi' both under Yash Raj banner failed to impress the audience. 'Company',' Road', 'Saathiya' none of which did anything historic at the box-office but Vivek Oberoi is being treated as the next best thing to Hindi filmdom. Recently released 'Kaante' is another hope we have in our way.

 

Hinglish, the hot and happening, the year had more Hollywood ventures making their presence. This brand of movies was made to attract crowds abroad and they clicked back home too. 'Bend It Like Beckham' was something Indian youth could relate to, Football World Cup. Bollywood made influences in western cinema with many producers adopting the feel of India. 'American Desi', 'The Guru' While Bollywood was having a poor fare, and Hollywood was drawing huge crowds. Deepa Mehta's 'Bollywood Hollywood' was an element of colorful songs. Revathy Menon's directional debut 'Mitr - My friend' managed to strike the right audience abroad. Aparna Sen's Mr & Mrs Iyer has won two awards at the 55th Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.