Box office takings of two big films that made their debut as the tragedy unfolded were badly affected as fear kept audiences away from any kind of outing. -- PHOTO:
MUMBAI: The ripple effects of the militant attacks on Mumbai are being felt by the city's Bollywood film industry, with premieres and new releases postponed for now.
Glitzy parties and celebrity weddings have been put off as India's entertainment capital reels from the assaults that claimed at least 188 lives and left 313 others hurt.
Red carpet premieres - usually held on Fridays - and other screenings have been cancelled as filmgoers stay away from cinemas and other public places.
'I have never seen this low turnout' before, said Mr Vishal Anand, marketing vice-president of the Fun Cinemas chain. 'The fear has taken over people's minds.'
The attacks also hit films that have just been released.
Box office takings of two big films that made their debut as the tragedy unfolded were badly affected, industry analyst Taran Adarsh wrote on his website bollywoodhungama.com.
'The fear factor...kept audiences away from any kind of outing,' Mr Adarsh said, adding that distributors planning to release films tomorrow were 'getting jitters'.
Meanwhile, actress Ayesha Takia, due to marry this month, has put off her nuptials to next year. And actor Tusshar Kapoor has cancelled a bash to celebrate the success of his latest film.
And the man dubbed the 'king of kings' in Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan, also voiced outrage at the attacks.
