National Cinema Day, celebrated on September 16, was decided to be put off on September 23 by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) and cinemas. The day marks the celebration of reopening of theatres across the country post COVID-19 outbreak as their business was badly hurt for couple of years.
The day is also a call to people who haven’t been back to watch movies at theatres due to higher prices. Coming Friday, it will be tested that lower ticket prices of 75 INR could bring more audience, proving that OTT and Boycott have zero effect on films. It might change future course of industry and become eye opener for multiplexes across the country.
Chup: Revenge of the Artist is helmed by R Balki starring Dulqueer Salmaan, Sunny Deol, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Pooja Bhatt, Abhijit Sinha. The film’s producers include Anil Naidu, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Dr. Jayantilal Gada (PEN Studios) and Gauri Shinde. Film was looking to open around 50 lacs nett day one but due to this lower ticket rate bonanza it is making moolah. As per our sources, until Thursday night, 1.30 lacs tickets have been sold at national chains. The opening day is expected to bring collections at Rs 2-2.25 cr nett as capacity issue will creep in.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, Brahmastra released on September 9. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Mouni Roy, Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna, including SRK and Deepika in cameo appearances. Film broke various records around the globe and collected more than 375 cr global gross with 200 cr nett plus in India. But despite that next Friday will see highest number for a Hindi film on 3rd Friday. As per our sources, 6.50 lakh tickets have been sold at national and non national chains till Thursday night, giving a clear indication that film should collect 8-8.25 cr nett as even this film will face capacity issues.
Nepali Film Prem Geet 3 which is releasing worldwide coming Friday will also get benefit of National Cinema Day. Film is expected to rake in minimum 75 lac nett All India if not 1 cr nett.
Global blockbuster Avatar is re releasing too this Friday and that will also see boost due to this ticket price. Film has sold approx 78,000 tickets by Wednesday night. Film might open to 75-85 lac nett day one which is amazing for a decade old film.
Overall a massive successful initiative and it might bring change in business where ticket prices might see fall for some shows or timings.
Following should be the box office number tomorrow:
Brahmastra Part One Shiva
8-8.25 cr nett (Highest 3rd Friday ever for Hindi Film)
Chup
2-2.25 cr nett
Dhokha Round D Corner
50 lac -60 lac nett
Prem Geet 3
75 lac nett
Avatar
75-85 lac nett
