Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff-starrer War is expected to rake in big money at the box office on the day of its release, 2 October. The film could even challenge the opening collections of Salman Khan’s Bharat, which stand at around Rs 42.30 crore.
Film trade analyst Atul Mohan puts the day one figure at around Rs 40 crore. Though slightly short of Bharat, this would still make War the highest opening day earner for both Hrithik and Tiger.
Hrithik Roshan’s highest grosser on day one so far is ‘Krrish 3’ with Rs 25.50 crore, and Baaghi 2 is Tiger Shroff’s biggest opener with a collection of Rs 25.10 crore at the box office.
Hrithik’s highest opening day collections at the box office so far were registered by 2013’s Krrish 3 at Rs 25.50 crore. His last two films, Super 30 and Kaabil, didn’t manage to get big opening figures but went on to earn profits in the long run. Kaabil made Rs 10.40 crore and Super 30 registered Rs 11.83 on the day of release. Tiger Shroff’s highest opening day collections came from Baaghi 2 at Rs 25.10 crore.
According to information from the exhibitors, “the advance bookings for the film are good, but they aren’t wow.” But the trade still expects the film to recover its investment at the end of its five-day long opening weekend.
The response to the trailer of the action-thriller has been good, and Hrithik and Tiger’s action and dance face-offs have generated decent buzz for the film. And while day one should be excellent, there are a few things that could go against the film in the long run.
“Navratri is not a good week actually. Historically, films don’t do great business during this period,” says Atul Mohan.
In 2018, films like Jalebi, Helicopter Eela, FryDay and Tumbbad released during Navratri last year, and none of them managed to make money at the box office. However, Badhaai Ho, which released on the last day of the festival, went on to become a huge hit.
Navratri celebrations are on in full swing in markets like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab. Also, Bihar, which is expected to be an important market for the film, is dealing with floods.
Last year, films like Jalebi, Helicopter Eela, FryDay and Tumbbad released during Navratri, and none of them performed well at the box office. However, Badhaai Ho, which released on the last day of Navratri went on to become a huge hit.
“The film also has competition in the South from Chiranjeevi’s big budget film, ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’, and Hollywood flick ‘Joker’, which is getting good buzz in India.”Film trade analyst, Atul Mohan
In 2017, Newton, Haseena Parkar and Bhoomi released during the festival, while Newton managed to stay afloat due to its shoe-string budget, the rest flopped. But again, Judwaa 2, which released on the last day, turned out to be a hit.
“The film also has competition in the South from Chiranjeevi’s big budget film, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, and Hollywood flick, Joker, which is getting good buzz in India,” says Atul. Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and Joker release on 2 October, the same day as War.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, who has previously made films like Bang Bang, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Anjaana Anjaani and produced by Yash Raj Films, War also stars Vaani Kapoor.
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