The lukewarm response from audiences comes despite round-the-clock promotional activities for both the movies. While Shahid visited various schools to promote "Paathshaala", Varma organised a digitally monitored scare dare contest for anyone who would watch ‘Phoonk 2’ alone in the movie hall - but in vain.
"The content for both the movies has been average. While ‘Paathshaala’ was good with around 50 percent occupancy over the weekend, ‘Phoonk 2’ wasn`t that good enough with just 20 percent footfalls," Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, said.
"It was only Shahid Kapoor`s presence that brought in the initial footfalls for `Paathshaala," he added.
Amit Shah, chief manager (programming) of DLF DT cinemas, also had something similar to say.
"’Paathshaala’ was an ok affair and brought in on an average 35 percent footfalls while `Phoonk 2’ has been disappointing with only 15 percent occupancy. The movie did not meet our expectations despite its hype," said Shah.
The debut production of choreographer Ahmad Khan, "Paathshaala" is the directorial debut of Milind Ukey. Revolving around the commercialisation and unethical practices related to the education system in the country, it also stars Nana Patekar, Suniel Shetty and Ayesha Takia.
Popular child actors Swini Khare, Ali Haji, Dwij Yadav and Avika Gor play pivotal roles in the movie.
"Phoonk 2", on the other hand, is a sequel to Varma`s earlier film "Phoonk - The Black Magic Story". It has been written and directed by debutant Milind Gadagkar.
Actors Sudeep, Amruta Khanvilkar and child actor Ahsaas Channa play key roles in the movie that captures the fears of a family hostage to a spirit seeking revenge.
"Both movies have nothing much in terms of business. There`s no content in them," said Tusshar Dhingra, COO of Big Cinemas.
Added a source from PVR cinemas: "Both movies have been average but `Paathshaala` is better in comparison to ‘Phoonk 2’. While the former got close to 30 percent footfalls, the latter got close to only 20 percent occupancy. The business for both, however, is almost over."
Said Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas: "The weekend was average, as the movies have been average. While ‘Paathshaala’ brought in around 40 percent occupancy, ‘Phoonk 2’ has been close to only 30 percent."