The anticipation is sky-high, with "achhe din" potentially returning for the Indian film industry as the 3D extravaganza "Kalki 2898 AD" gears up to surpass the Rs 200 crore mark globally on its opening day Thursday, according to trade experts.
Featuring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the sci-fi-meets-mythology spectacle represents a convergence of talent from both the southern and Hindi film industries. It's poised to achieve a premiere day gross of USD 4 million in the US, Canada, and other territories, surpassing SS Rajamouli's "RRR" which grossed USD 3.3 million on its North America premiere last year.
"Kalki 2898 AD," produced by Vyjayanthi Movies and formerly known as "Project K," has been released in six languages — Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English — reportedly making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced, costing around Rs 600 crore.
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede predicts that the film will easily breach the Rs 100 crore mark on its first day in India alone, potentially reaching Rs 200 crore globally. He views "Kalki" as a significant relief for the industry, noting that apart from a few exceptions like "Shaitaan," no major Hindi film has been a blockbuster in recent months.
Described as a fusion of the Hindu epic Mahabharata and science fiction, "Kalki 2898 AD" directed by Nag Ashwin is set to dominate the global box office with its blend of stars, spectacle, stunts, and sci-fi elements. Trade expert Taran Adarsh believes it has the potential to become the biggest opener of the year so far in the Hindi film industry, even in the face of competition from major events like the India versus England T20 World Cup semifinal.
The film has garnered immense pre-release buzz, reflected in the brisk ticket sales on platforms like BookMyShow, where over 1.5 million tickets have already been purchased. COO-Cinemas of BookMyShow, Ashish Saksena, notes that the enthusiasm spans across all regions, with strong sales particularly in cities like Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Tirupati, as well as in key Telugu-speaking areas.
In addition to its substantial budget, "Kalki 2898 AD" carries the weight of its star-studded cast, which includes notable cameos from actors like Dulquer Salmaan and Vijay Deverakonda. Analysts emphasize the film's pan-Indian appeal, catering to diverse regional audiences across the country.
With heightened interest, ticket prices have surged, reaching up to Rs 2,300 for premium lounge shows in certain areas. Despite these increases, there appears to be no hindrance to audience turnout, with significant sales reported at both multiplexes and single-screen theatres.
Initial reviews have been positive, praising the film's visual effects and immersive experience in 3D format. Fans and cinegoers alike are enthusiastic about what "Kalki 2898 AD" promises for Indian cinema, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster success and looking forward to its sequel as hinted by the filmmakers.
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