Hindi films have seen an unarguably poor run at the Indian box office in the first half of 2008, according to local analysts.

Although there are no official half-yearly figures for combined box office receipts, most of the big-budget, big-hype films, whether from small or large production houses, have failed to make an impression on audiences and therefore collections.

According to Komal Nahata, editor of local trade magazine Film Information, the first half of 2007 was considered profitable.

'But this has been one of the worst half years with losses of around $17.5m-$23m (Rs750m-Rs1bn),' Nahata says. 'Fortunately the second half has begun well with Jaane Tu Ya Jaana Na headed towards becoming a huge hit.'

Released on July 4, Jaane Tu Ya Jaana Na grossed around $2.8m (Rs120m) in its first week.

In the first half of the year, thriller Race, directed by brothers Abbas-Mustan, was the top-grossing film in India with takings of $20.8m (Rs900m), according to Ibos Network. It was followed by historical drama Jodha Akbar with $19.98m (Rs860m) and crime thriller Sarkar Raj, starring the Bachchan family, with $12.3m (Rs530m - see chart below).

Out of the 47 Hindi films released between January and June 2008, the list of box office no-shows is much longer. The three films to record the worst collections based on budget were Yashraj Films $9.3m Tashan, which netted only $6.3m (Rs270m); Raj Kumar Santoshi's $5.8m Halla Bol, which netted $2.3m, and Yashraj Films' Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (released two weeks ago and final figures still awaited).

Some of the upcoming films the industry will be pinning its hopes on are Anees Bazmee's Akshay Kumar starrer Singh Is Kinng (August 8); Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini (Nov 28); Wanted with Salman Khan in the lead (Oct 2); Warner Bros-backed Chandni Chowk To China (Oct 24); Karan Johar-produced Dostana (Nov 21), and director Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with Shah Rukh Khan (Dec 12).

The biggest hits of 2007 came in the second half of the year also, with the box office winners being Om Shanti Om, Welcome, Chak De India, Partner, Taare Zameen Par, Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiya.

The big releases for the year are usually timed with the festive season which kicks off in October.

India Jan-June 2008 Top Five:

1. Race - $20.8m (Rs900m - semi-hit)

2. Jodha Akbar - $19.98m (Rs860m - above average)

3. Sarkar Raj - $12.3m (Rs530m - semi-hit)

4. Bhootnath - $10.9m (Rs470m - semi-hit)

5. Tashan - $9.3m (Rs400m - flop)

India Jan-June 2007 Top Five:

1. Guru - $18.6m+ (Rs800m - super hit)

2. Namastey London - $11.6m (Rs500m - above average)

3. Tara Rum Pum - $11.6m (Rs500m - above average)

4. Shootout At Lokhandwala - $9m (Rs390m - semi-hit)

5. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - $8.8m (Rs380m - flop)

Source: ibosnetwork.com

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