Satellite rights of 'Agneepath' fetches Rs 41 crore

Hrithik Roshan's upcoming release 'Agneepath' is said to have bagged a record amount of Rs 41 crore for its satellite rights. 

A few months ago, the satellite rights of 'Krrish 3' were lapped up for an astounding amount with SRK's 'Ra.One' coming close second. But trade sources say that 'Agneepath', which hits theatres on January 26, has left these two films behind. 

According to sources, the satellite rights of 'Agneepath' have been sold to Zee for Rs 41 crore, while that of 'Krrish 3' were sold for Rs 37 crore to a different channel. 

Trade journal editor Vajir Singh said, "Year 2011 has been exciting at the movies and 2012, too, starts with a promise. By virtue of the fact that the film comes in the first month of the year and because it has bankable names in it, is on top of the list of the most exciting films of next year." 

Meanwhile, the theatrical promo of 'Agneepath', produced by Karan Johar and directed by Karan Malhotra, hit the screens on Friday with 'Don 2'. 

Film critic Raja Sen said, "After I saw the theatrical promo, I felt that this film has no room for subtlety. There is hardcore action, blood and gore, and lots of drama. Rishi Kapoor looks interesting as the bad guy. Also Hrithik, in his own style, is making it clear that he is not trying to ape Amitabh Bachchan from the original film." 

Hrithik's character is younger, more driven and proactive, and at the end of the promo he comes across as ruthlessly cold and in control while speaking to Kancha Cheena, Sen feels. 

Trade analyst Komal Nahta says that even though he is not a fan of the original film, the teaser trailer of this movie was compelling enough to hold his complete attention watching Hrithik and Sanjay Dutt together. 

"Chikni Chameli was the icing on the cake! Sanju's get-up is menacing. Hrithik wants to do something different in each film and 'Agneepath' will be his first out-and-out action film. You can see the intensity on his face in the promo," Nahta said. 

"The promo was so unlike what you would expect from a remake. It looks larger than life, meaty and glossy. It makes me want to watch it. With the promos, the film has created its own box office market space," Sen said.

Taran Adarsh said for the first time Hrithik will be seen in an action-oriented role. "Till now, Hrithik's roles were limited to a few boundaries. But, with 'Agneepath', he will break those boundaries," he said. 

Trade analyst Komal Nahta says that even though he is not a fan of the original film, the teaser trailer of this movie was compelling enough to hold his complete attention watching Hrithik and Sanjay Dutt together. 

" Chikni Chameli was the icing on the cake! Sanju's get-up is menacing. Hrithik wants to do something different in each film and 'Agneepath' will be his first out-and-out action film. You can see the intensity on his face in the promo," Nahta said.