'Kalki 2898 AD' Opens Strong at Indian Box Office
Nag Ashwin's directorial debut, Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan, has made a promising debut at the box office. Early projections indicate a strong first-day performance, with earnings estimated to be between Rs 21.00 to 23.00 crore.
The film's success is being attributed to its star-studded cast and its sci-fi genre, a relatively unexplored territory in Indian cinema. Kalki 2898 AD is poised to become the biggest opener of the year in Hindi, surpassing Fighter, which starred Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone.
While the final earnings will depend on the film's performance in night shows, current trends suggest a promising start, with an estimated Rs 20 crore opening day. The film has performed well across various segments, including multiplexes and single screens, with PVRInox and Cinepolis cinema chains expecting to reach Rs 10 crore in opening day collections.
Initial reactions to the film have been positive, with praise for its visual effects and high production value. However, some critics and moviegoers have expressed concerns about the film's first half. The next three days will provide insights into the film's long-term performance.
The film's target is to reach Rs 90 crore in Hindi through the four-day extended weekend, with Sunday earnings expected to be close to Rs 30 crore. A near-century collection over the weekend would indicate a positive word-of-mouth among audiences.
Despite its sci-fi genre, Kalki 2898 AD has managed to appeal to audiences in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, a testament to the star power of its cast. If the film's content resonates with the masses, it could have a long run at the box office, especially considering the novelty of its immersive world and the promise of a franchise.
Stay tuned for updates on the performance of Kalki 2898 AD and other Bollywood releases.