M.S. Dhoni - The Untold Story has the potential to be first real surprise of the year in terms of a grosser. There have been a few films like Neerja and Pink which would not have been expected to get the numbers they got but this film M.S. Dhoni - The Untold Story is a different ball game as it can become a grosser because of the universal appeal unlike a Neerja or Pink. The music has not caught on but theatrical gave the feel of a real Hindi film with a earthy feel which is surprising as the film is directed by the director of films like Special 26 and Baby which did not do well despite the presence of Akshay Kumar and looked rip offs of some European or far east thrillers. This film has a totally Indian touch as far as the theatrical goes and the weekend will tell if the content is as good as the theatrical.

The film has that rags to riches theme which goes down very well with the all India audience and on top you have this rags to riches story based on a very popular personality of the day, Dhoni. There are two negatives for the film, one is the cost which is close to 100 crore and the other is a dud hero. In normal circumstances this film could be written off due to the hero at that cost but the Dhoni brand is with the film which is why the cost is so high and is also supported by a good theatrical.

Actually the casting may turn out better for the film as a popular star from the Khans to a Akshay to Ranbir or even Varun would mean the audience finding it hard to relate to them as Dhoni as they have star persona while here with a lesser actor it would be easier to pass him off as Dhoni as there is no star baggage. 

On the solid theatrical, a double digit opening day is there for the taking but the real question is that can brand Dhoni take it 15 crore nett or higher and this would also allow the film to have a chance to recover the huge cost. Brand Dhoni is an unknown as far as cinema is concerned and what sort of boost it gives the film will be known on Friday. Being a popular figure with todays youth should add the numbers but that remains to be seen. 

The single screens will be weaker as the hero is not known and there is no action or hit music but with the 750 odd multiplexes across India putting up strong numbers it should come out with a big number with chances to challenge all films released this year outside of Sultan if content is as good as theatrical.

Last year there was one big surprise at the box office Tanu Weds Manu Returns and this film has potential to repeat that if the content is up to the mark.