Pari is this week's big Bollywood release, and we had so much expectations from the same. It was touted as a game-changer when it comes to horror as a genre in Bollywood, with an A-lister producing the movie and playing the main lead. So kudos to Anushka Sharma for backing such a project, while also shedding off her glam image to play the feral woman in the movie. The promos also did a fantastic job of not revealing much about the premise.

Pari was directed by Prosit Roy and also stars Parambrata and Rajat Kapoor. The movie has opened on a slow note at the box office, and trade pundits are not having any favourable predictions to make for Pari. The movie, estimated to be made on a budget of Rs 30 crore, has made a little more than Rs 4 crore on its opening day. While we are really crossing our fingers for the movies to earn well on word-of-mouth publicity, here are five reasons why Pari will face an uphill task to do so, even though horror movies usually work well at the box office.

The movie is too dark and gory

Pari is not just about the boos and scare jumps, like most of the Bollywood horror movies are, and that's what make it so special. As the trailers suggest the movie has a creepy atmosphere throughout with some really disturbing scenes that might churn your stomach. Not exactly stuff for a light outing!

Not for a general audience

We, as an audience, have got so used to the stuff Vikram Bhatt and others aping him have brought out in the name of horror. Most of the Bollywood horror movies we have seen have shades of erotica as well as melodious songs, neither of which we can find in Pari. So like Raat, it is difficult for the movie to find acceptance among the general audiences.

Risk of not promoting itself too much

There is a song on Pari that has never made it to the charts yet. Reason? The makers have sought to promote the movie through its 'screamers'. The idea is nice since it gives us the right idea of what to expect from the movie. But the general audience often gives attention to stuff that is right up on their faces through hardcore promotions. The makers of Pari are relying much on word-of-mouth publicity, which is definitely a risky step, as it can go either way.

Sonu Ke Titu Ke Sweety going strong at the box office

It also doesn't help Pari's sake that last Friday's release Sonu Ki Titu Ki Sweety, a far more audience friendly fare, is working well at the box office. And so is Padmaavat.

Not all reviews are favourable

We loved Pari and gave a really favourable review to the horror movie. However, not all reviews were favourable to Anushka Sharma's latest production. Though nearly every one were in awe of the actress' performance. there are a few who call the movie a 'half-baked' attempt, while criticising the second half. For a movie that aims at the multiplex audience, overall consensus definitely plays a big factor here.

While these factors may go against Pari, we really hope that the movie would fight against all odds and emerge a victor at the box office. 'Cos here's a movie that definitely takes the risk and tries to give horror a much needed makeover

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 03, 2018 06:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).