By Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

5 days since the film's release and the verdict is coming out strong and clear that BAABUL would be having tough times ahead at the box office.

While the reviews have ranged from average to good, what has been disheartening is the audience response to the movie which is quite mixed. While ladies and middle aged people seem to be lapping up to the film due to its family theme and social appeal, the same cannot be said about the youngsters who have been fed on the dose of DON and DHOOM 2 over the last few weeks.

Exposed to a different genre of cinema, as expected the yuppie crowd is not really kicked about watching a film based on the theme of widow remarriage that hardly seems to be a burning issue, especially in urban India. This is the reason why after taking an average opening, the film isn't really garnering great word of mouth and most have complained about lack of movement in the first half of the film followed by the weepy moments that do not really stir one's emotions.

When the film released on Friday, there were chances about the film picking up over the weekend a la BAGHBAN but that too isn't really turning out to be the case. Also difficult would be the road in the future weeks since KABUL EXPRESS arrives on full steam this Friday which is the kind of film that metros and cosmopolitans should be lapping up with glee. Further to that there is BHAGAM BHAG next week that is expected to embark on a great start hence hampering the prospects of most other movies in the fray.

With DHOOM 2 continuing to make waves even in the third week, situation isn't too flattering for BAABUL. To add to the woes, VIVAH is continuing to maintain consistent collections across interiors of India hence turning out to be a good choice of those who wish to venture in for a family outing!