Nandamuri Balakrishna‘s Akhanda reportedly grossed in upwards of Rs 31 crores on its opening day, making it by far the biggest opener in Indian cinema following the Covid second wave. The film is going on a rampage at the box office and if it actually manages to gross over Rs 100 crores in its full run, it would be a big boost to Telugu cinema, which took a severe beating due to Covid. Now, what is evident is that the masses are ready to return to the theatres if they find a film appealing enough.
Now, Akhanda‘s successful start at the box office is coming as a pleasant update to Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, and Ram Charan. Wonder why? Here’s the story.
Pushpa: The Rise and RRR are the two biggies that are next in line for theatrical release. Up until 1st December, doubts were raised about the theatrical returns for mainstream biggies, which had hundreds of crores riding on them. But soon after Akhanda hit the silver screens on 2nd December and posted impressive numbers at the box office, it can de be understood that the audience are indeed turning up in big numbers to watch ‘A-lister’ films.
Pushpa: The Rise and RRR both have the larger than life appeal that is essential to pull the masses to the theatres. So, Allu Arjun who plays the central role in Pushpa, and Ram Charan, Jr NTR who play the lead roles in RRR will be the happiest as Akhanda proved big-ticket films are in for a joyful ride at the box office.
That said, it is too early to draw conclusions just yet. With the chances of Omricon variant Covid outbreak in India increasing steeply by the day, there is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to footfalls at cinema halls and the possible theatrical returns. We need to wait and see how things pan out. As for Pushpa: The Rise and RRR, these films will be out in theatres on 17th December and 7th January respectively