Karan Johar’s highly anticipated film, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” featuring the dynamic duo of Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in lead roles, made its debut on the big screen with an average start at the box office. The film, which was released worldwide on Friday, had cinephiles eagerly waiting to see if Karan Johar could deliver a much-needed blockbuster to Bollywood.
Despite taking a bold step by premiering just a week after the intense “Barbenheimer” clash, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” seems to have capitalized on the waning buzz surrounding Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” in India while maintaining interest in other parts of the world. The film’s main competitor on the big screen is Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”
According to early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” amassed an impressive Rs 11.5 crore from Indian theatres on its opening day. While this figure is substantial, it falls short of Nolan’s film, which opened with Rs 14.5 crore at the Indian box office.
In terms of the opening day collections for Hindi films in 2023, Karan Johar’s creation stands as the fifth highest opener of the year. The top four spots are secured by “Pathaan” with Rs 57 crore, “Adipurush” with Rs 36 crore, “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan” with Rs 15.81 crore, and “Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar” with Rs 15.73 crore, as reported by Bollywood Hungama.
The film witnessed a 12% occupancy rate in the Hindi market during the morning shows, but the numbers saw a steady increase as the day progressed. Afternoon shows recorded a 15.80% occupancy, followed by 20.18% for the evening shows, and an impressive 36.85% for the night shows. The upward trend in occupancy suggests that the movie garnered more attention and footfalls as the day unfolded.
“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” brings together the much-loved pairing of Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, and it is no surprise that their on-screen chemistry has piqued the interest of audiences. Karan Johar, known for his impeccable storytelling and larger-than-life productions, has once again created an engaging cinematic experience that is being applauded by many.
The film’s success on the first day indicates a promising journey ahead at the box office, especially with no other major releases competing against it directly. With an intriguing narrative and stellar performances, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” aims to strike a chord with the audience and leave a lasting impact on the hearts of moviegoers.
As the weekend unfolds, the film’s box office performance will be closely monitored by critics, fans, and trade analysts. The overall response and word-of-mouth publicity will play a crucial role in determining its success in the long run.
For Karan Johar and the entire cast and crew of “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” the journey has just begun, and the true test lies in sustaining the momentum and winning the hearts of audiences across the country in the weeks to come. As the excitement around the film continues to build, the box office numbers are expected to reflect the audience’s verdict on this much-awaited romantic saga
