The festival season and Sooryavanshi have brought new hope for the box-office; Eternals and Paani Ch Madhani follow suit

Sheetal

Housefull seasons are back in theatres. This Friday was rewarding for the film business, as many people enjoyed the theatre experience after more than a year. Film distributors, producers and employees at theatres were equally happy. It seems the union of Bollywood, Hollywood and Pollywood releases—Sooryavanshi, Eternals and Paani Ch Madhaani—has worked wonders. We look at the box-office numbers on the first day and the reactions that followed.

For the public

People have waited for director Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi for two years and the wait was worth it! The opening day collection of Sooryavanshi sums up to Rs 24-crore, higher than that of Marvel’s Eternals. Rohit Shetty was quick to issue a statement, “I have waited for a long time to release Sooryavanshi on the big screens and it’s heartening to get such a wide release across the world. I hope and pray that the audience will enjoy watching it in the cinemas with family and friends this festive season.” The film was released on 1,300 screens across 66 countries; in India it saw a release on 4,000 screens.

Expert opinion

Komal Nahata, film trade analyst, says, “Sooryavanshi has witnessed an extraordinary response on the opening day and I have no doubt that it has brought back audiences to the cinemas. It is a huge hit given the special situation we are facing. Some states are still not permitting the cinemas to operate at 100 per cent occupancy. There are curfews and restrictions at some places. Also, people still have fear in their minds. Despite all these factors, the film managed to get god numbers. While Sooryavanshi will prove to be a big hit, Eternals will also do decent business. This will give a big boost to the film industry since the future course of action depends on these films.” Fingers crossed!

On our turf

In tricity, business was slow on Friday morning, but after that all shows of films, be it English, Hindi or Punjabi, were house full. Raj Juneja, distributor representative, informs, “PVR Elante has witnessed maximum crowd during the weekends and almost every PVR or Cinepolis theatre was house full in the second half of Friday as well as Saturday. Morning shows are slower for various reasons.”

Twitter trends like, #YeDiwaliEteranalsWali by Marvels has promoted the Hollywood film, whereas Punjabi-speaking audience was excited to see Gippy Grewal and Neeru Bajwa reunite on screen after 12 years with Paani Ch Madhani. The Punjabi family entertainer has given equal competition to Eternals and Sooryavanshi. A PVR spokesperson adds, “To attract the crowd, there’s

a coupon for each ticket bought, which can be cashed at refreshment counter, and with restrictions still in place, it is sent on your mobiles. Elante PVR also has lucky draw tickets and the winners will get a free small vacation!”

Upcoming releases

First take: If Kartik Aryan will make his first appearance after a long time with Dhamaka (November 19), then so will Aayush Sharma with Antim: The Final Truth (November 26). Ahan Shetty, Sunil Shetty’s son will make his debut opposite Tara Sutaria in Tadap, which will release on December 3.

Franchise matters: Taking the franchise ahead are Bunty Aur Babli 2 and Top Gun: Maverick releasing on November 19 in theatres. Satyameva Jayate 2, starring John Abraham, is set to release on November 25.