The decision to re-release ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ hasn’t worked at the box office. The 2015 epic has collected Rs 1.7 crore in its opening weekend, with around 70 lakhs of business coming on Sunday. The Mumbai circuit contributed Rs 52 lakhs to the first weekend total. The All-India business, including business from the time the film first released in theatres, has now crossed the 120 crore mark.
The dull response to the re-release will make no difference to the sequel, ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’, which is one of the most hyped films of 2017.
The pre-release enquiries and interest is so high that the film could get close to collecting 100 crore (gross) all over India on its opening day (28th April).
Rajnikanth’s ‘Kabali’ is the highest opening day grosser in the South and its opening day record of Rs 55 crore will be challenged by ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’. The Hindi version is equally hot in the trade. The record for highest opening day of 2017, currently held by Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, is likely to be surpassed. Even a 30-crore plus opening day for the Hindi version cannot be ruled out.
The next couple of weeks have ‘female-centric’ films like ‘Begum Jaan’ and ‘Noor’ lined up for release. Both movies will rely on word-of-mouth, with ‘Begum Jaan’ generating more interest as compared to ‘Noor’ which is carrying zero interest.
All eyes will be on ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’. 28th April 2017 is the date.