NUMEROLOGIC! IT RULES MOVIE RELEASE DATES

A bunch of films have scored big after resorting to numerology. We ask what makes it tick

Sceptics may scoff, but Bollywood swears by numerology. The latest instance is Padmaavat, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. That the film’s title had to be changed from the earlier Padmavati — as per the Censor Board’s suggestion, following Rajput protests — is common knowledge, but what left everyone puzzled was the extra ‘a’. That’s explained by one word: numerology.

Titles of films such as Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Judwaa 2, and Golmaal Again, were subjected to what we might call ‘numerologic’, as in ‘numbers + logic’. As for Padmaavat, even its release date has been decided by numerology — while the fullscale commercial release is tomorrow (Jan 25 = 7), the paid previews are taking place today (Jan 24 = 6).

Numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani reveals that this was his suggestion. “Padmavati added up to 30, and number 3 is for Jupiter. Bhansali, was born on the 24th (February), which is 6, [for] Venus. But Padmavat, after removing the ‘i’, totalled 29, which indicates treachery and danger. I said they could add a ‘d’ to bring it to 3 or 6. The film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge added up to 6.” Bhansali’s team took Jumaani’s other suggestion: that of adding an ‘a’.

However, in Baahubali’s case, an extra ‘a’ was removed, and the poster used a symbol to indicate the long vowel in the character’s name.

Aanand L Rai, the producer of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and the presenter of Newton (whose original release date was Sept 22, 2017, but paid previews were held on Sept 21), says, “Once you start believing in something, it’s only faith that moves you.”

The upcoming film, Fanne Khan, dropped the ‘y’ from the earlier title, Fanney Khan. The producer, Prernaa Arora, says, “My mom is a big believer in this.” Asked if this belief is valid in today’s age of reason, she says, “No idea. I believe in 8, which brings me good luck. Mentally khush rehne ke liye bhi you follow it. I wouldn’t want to change even a chair or handkerchief if things are working for me!”

The poster of Baahubali dropped an ‘a’ and used a symbol, instead, to indicate the long vowel in the character’s name

The poster of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha had the first word in English and the rest in Hindi for the purpose of numerology

Padmavati changed to Padmavat and then added an ‘a’ for good luck

The release date of Newton was 22, but previews were on 21, so as to reach the ‘lucky’ number 3