The much-awaited mystery horror film Weapons released in theaters today, but Indian fans hoping to catch it in the premium IMAX format are out of luck. In a strategic move that showcases the massive influence of a domestic tentpole, the film has skipped its IMAX release in India entirely due to the impending arrival of Yash Raj Films’ spy thriller, War 2.
The War 2 Juggernaut
The decision stems from a powerful business play by YRF. The studio has exclusively pre-booked all 33 IMAX screens across India for War 2, which is slated for a grand release on Thursday, August 14. This created an unappealingly short six-day window for Weapons, which releases today, August 8. Its distributor, Warner Bros, reportedly found it impractical to undertake an expensive IMAX release for such a limited period, opting instead to focus on a wide release in standard cinemas.
F1: The Movie Cashes In
The primary beneficiary of this scheduling shuffle is the surprisingly resilient Hollywood blockbuster, F1: The Movie. The Brad Pitt starrer, which first released on June 27, has been enjoying an outstanding run in IMAX theaters and now gets another full week in the premium format. The film’s performance has been exceptional, attracting a steady audience and continuing to post strong numbers well into its theatrical run.
Despite being in its seventh week, F1: The Movie is seeing its showtimes increased in many IMAX locations, with some properties in Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Thane running four shows daily. Weekend shows are already filling up fast, a testament to its staying power. The film has already crossed the Rs. 90 crores mark at the Indian box office and is inching towards the coveted Rs. 100 crores milestone.
The Final Lap Before The Storm
This week marks the last chance for audiences to experience F1: The Movie on the giant screen for the foreseeable future, as War 2 is set to take over completely from next Thursday. Meanwhile, despite losing the IMAX battle, Weapons is still poised to make a mark. The Zach Cregger-directorial has garnered decent advance bookings in regular theaters, tracking ahead of the week’s other Hollywood release, Freakier Friday, and could still emerge as a surprise hit.
About Weapons
Weapons is a mystery horror film directed by Zach Cregger. Released on August 8, 2025, the film has generated significant pre-release buzz for its intriguing premise.
About F1: The Movie
F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, is a sports drama that immerses audiences in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. The film has been a critical and commercial success, especially praised for its stunning visuals in the IMAX format.
About War 2
War 2 is the sixth installment in the YRF Spy Universe, directed by Ayan Mukerji. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, it is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year and is set for a massive release on August 14, 2025.
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