A lot riding on Pathaan, as the film smashes Box Office on opening day

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Pathaan’ has become not just a comeback film for the actor after a hiatus of four years, but also a harbinger of achche din for the Bollywood industry. Even as the industry looked to Ranbir Kapoor-starrer ‘Brahmastra’ as a reviver for Bollywood’s flagging fortunes last year, in 2023 ‘Pathaan’ has a bigger load to carry.

And as per initial reports from fans and critics alike, who are enjoying ‘first day, first show’ of the film, which has hit movie screens across the country today, ‘Pathaan’ is being heralded as a ‘blockbuster’.

Part of Aditya Chopra’s ambitious ‘Spy Universe’, ‘Pathaan’ is an exhilarating entertainer from YRF, which also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abrham in key roles. The film has been released internationally in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

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Ever since the first look posters of the movie were released, the film has been under close scrutiny. There has been a constant buzz on social media. The film has also had its share of controversy. Deepika Padukone’s beach wear, especially a saffron-coloured bikini featured in the film’s song ‘Besharam Rang’ led to strong protests by a section of the society. Yes, the said offending attire has been removed from the song. There were also some boycott calls as Shah Rukh Khan debuted the movie’s trailer on January 10, 2023 at Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa.

Meanwhile, even as prss conferences were held ahead of ‘Pathaan’s release, the film’s team decided to steer clear of any media appearances and interviews. Shah Rukh Khan made the choice in light of the controversies in his personal life. Everyone, including Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, respected the choice, which has reportedly save the makers Rs 15-20 crore in movie promotions. Even though Khan has been holding “Ask SRK” sessions on Twitter, he hasn’t been aggressively pushing the film.

An additional cheer for movie fans is the unveiling of the teaser of Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ at ‘Pathaan’s screening.

Record-breaking advance booking

More than 100 nations will see the release of ‘Pathaan’, a record for an Indian movie. The release of the film’s teaser and trailer, along with two of its songs, ‘Besharam Rang’ and ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan’ have receivd a lot of traction on social media and whipped up fan frenzy over the film.

The pairing of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone has given some blockbuster hits in the past – ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Chennai Express’, and ‘Happy New Year’. Hence, the audience anticipation is high.

This is reflected in the advance bookings for ‘Pathaan’, which, as per media reports, have crossed Rs 15 crore. Experts predict that the movie will bring in between Rs 35 and Rs 40 crore on its opening day alone. Additionally, the movie is anticipated to earn between Rs 150 crore and Rs 200 crore in India over the first weekend and Rs 300 crore globally. Interestingly, ‘Pathaan’ is the first Shah Rukh Khan movie with early morning shows.

Not just the North and West markets, ‘Pathaan’ is also one of the first Bollywood movies to top the charts for advance reservations in the South markets as well.

Along with the multiplexes, nearly 25 single-screen theatres across India that were previously closed will get a boost fro ‘Pathaan’s release.

Gaiety, Galaxy, and Maratha Mandir, three well-known single-screen theatres in Mumbai, have reported that 70-80 per cent of their seats have been sold out already.

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