Kalki 2898 AD, a highly anticipated sci-fi epic starring Prabhas and Deepika Padukone, made a thunderous debut at the Indian box office, becoming the fourth film to surpass the coveted Rs. 100 crore mark on its opening day. This remarkable achievement places Kalki securely among the echelons of Indian cinema's most formidable blockbusters.
Prabhas solidifies his position as a box-office powerhouse with Kalki, adding another title to his impressive collection of top-grossing films in the prestigious Rs. 100 crore club. Since 2017, all but one of his releases, Radhe Shyam, have debuted in the coveted top five, a testament to his immense star power in the Telugu film industry and his growing recognition in the Hindi-speaking belt.
The Telugu film industry has emerged as a formidable force in shaping first-day box office records across India. This dominance is evident in the top ten highest-grossing opening days, which features an impressive seven films either led by Telugu stars or helmed by Telugu directors.
Here is a closer look at the top fifteen highest first-day grossers at the Indian box office:
1. Baahubali: The Conclusion - Rs. 133.00 Cr.
2. RRR - Rs. 131.00 Cr.
3. KGF Chapter 2 - Rs. 127.50 Cr.
4. Kalki 2898 AD - Rs. 100.50 Cr.
5. Salaar - Rs. 94.00 Cr.
6. Jawan - Rs. 90.00 Cr.
7. Saaho - Rs. 86.50 Cr.
8. Adipurush - Rs. 84.50 Cr.
9. Leo - Rs. 77.00 Cr.
10. Animal - Rs. 72.00 Cr.
11. 2.0 - Rs. 70.00 Cr.
12. Pathaan - Rs. 69.50 Cr.
13. Avengers: Endgame - Rs. 64.50 Cr.
14. Thugs of Hindostan - Rs. 63.00 Cr.
15. War - Rs. 62.00 Cr.
It is noteworthy that several films on this list, including Kalki 2898 AD, enjoyed the additional boost of 3D screenings. While India's box office numbers typically exclude 3D charges, including them would likely elevate the gross of RRR to near or even surpass Baahubali: The Conclusion. Similarly, Kalki's earnings would increase to an estimated Rs. 105 crore with 3D charges factored in. The inclusion of 3D charges would also propel 2.0 into the top ten.
