The much-anticipated RRR of SS Rajamouli has surpassed all industry expectations as early estimates point to an opening day in the 100-200 range Rs. 18 to 20 Millions. This is around 25 per cent higher than the general expectation of Rs. 14 to 15 crores. While the film was slow on the advance front, spot bookings were excellent across the board, be they multiplexes or single screens. This is also one of the biggest non-holiday openings in the Hindi film industry.
Mumbai was the best route for RRR, followed by Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab. The southern belt was relatively slow for the Hindi version as the respective South Indian versions were in full swing in places like Chennai, Hyderabad, Karnataka and Kerala. Conversation surrounding RRR has been extremely positive and initial feedback suggests that the magic of SS Rajamouli has once again resonated with moviegoers.
The three national chains have collected around Rs. 7.75 crores, which is again higher than even multiplexed films like Alia Bhatt starring Gangubai Kathiawadi, on par with Ranveer Singh starring 83. While national chains’ contribution was around 70 percent for 83, individual screens are up to that come to support RRR in a Big Way, meaning the national chain contribution of about 45 percent (like Bachchhan Paandey).
Business will only escalate from here and the goal for RRR will be to hit Rs a weekend. 70 crores. The genre is single-screen friendly, and with positive talk it’s expected to have a long run in the mainstream belts. Ticket prices were higher and this was always a risky move by the creators, but luckily with positive reviews that should translate into ample footprint and collections to hit everyone with the Hindi version.
These are just phenomenal numbers, all the more so because this isn’t a holiday release. This opening only suggests that the film could easily have clocked an opening of Rs. 25 crore plus if it was a holi release. RRR has enough capacity to bring the numbers and full credit to the distributors to best showcase this mega-budget epic. The film has defied the wave of The Kashmir Files to the point that it has even swept the film in all Hindi belts, and it makes a statement that an exciting film can always get the box office recognition it deserves, no matter what the opposition is is.
With this opening, SS Rajamouli has cemented his position as the biggest brand in Indian cinema as he has given a superb opening in the Hindi belts with literally two fresh faces.