To the amazement of film enthusiasts and critics alike, ‘Gadar 2’ has pulled off a remarkable feat at the box office. Despite the initial doubts and having to face fierce competition from ‘OMG 2’ and ‘Jailer’, this film’s earnings surpassed the Rs 173 crore mark by its fourth day.
Anticipations initially hovered around the Rs 25 crore benchmark. However, the film defied all odds and amassed over Rs 40 crores on its premiere day, leaving everyone in sheer astonishment.
Karan Taurani, a renowned film trade analyst, shared his insights with IANS regarding this unexpected outcome. He expressed, “These staggering numbers genuinely took many by surprise. The extended Independence Day weekend certainly played a pivotal role, providing families an ideal opportunity for an outing, especially with limited recreational choices in India.”
He further elaborated, “Another undeniable factor is the film’s legacy. The first installment, ‘Gadar’, witnessed an overwhelming reception, and its sequel is reaping the benefits of that established reputation.”
Karan also shed light on the evolving trends in Hindi cinema. “Franchise-driven content, coupled with VFX and patriotic themes, are shaping the future of Hindi films. This shift is crucial for the industry to regain its pre-pandemic momentum, especially considering the current growth rate which lags behind its regional counterparts.”
When quizzed about the film’s potential earnings, Karan projected a weekend collection of around Rs 230 crores, accounting for Tuesday. He anticipates the lifetime earnings to fall between Rs 350-400 crores. Another industry expert, Ramesh Bala, had previously speculated a maximum cap of over Rs 500 crores for ‘Gadar 2’.
Addressing the possibility of ‘Gadar 2’ joining the elite Rs 1000 crore club, Karan voiced his skepticism. He explained that while ‘Gadar 2’ may go toe-to-toe with ‘Jailer’ on the domestic front, it’s unlikely to replicate that success internationally.
This stems from ‘Jailer’s immense popularity in the South and its capped ticket prices, along with its global appeal. In contrast, ‘Gadar 2’ faces challenges with limited audience engagement in the South and international markets. Moreover, in prominent Hindi-speaking regions like Delhi and Mumbai, movie-goers seem to have a tilt towards ‘Jailer’.
Nevertheless, the figures achieved by ‘Gadar 2’ have certainly set a positive tone for Hindi cinema, showcasing its undying spirit and potential.