In an unforeseen turn of events, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is leading the box-office race in India, surpassing the much-anticipated Bollywood spectacle, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”. Notably, this Hollywood film is absent of the typical superhero or fantasy action allure. The last time director Karan Johar helmed a project was seven years ago, making this competition even more intriguing.
“Oppenheimer” narrates the story of the Manhattan Project and the ensuing moral conflict faced by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist at the forefront of America’s atomic bomb development. The film has garnered more earnings in its initial three days than the Bollywood movie starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.
Although “Oppenheimer” lacks the musical charm of “Rocky Aur Rani” and the captivating allure of Yash Chopra’s chiffon saris, it resonated with the Indian audience. According to Bollymoviereviewz.com, the film earned Rs 13.5 crore on Friday, Rs 16.5 crore on Saturday, and Rs 17.25 crore on Sunday, amassing a net collection of Rs 47.25 crore over its opening weekend.
The reported figures are from the production house, and being an international release, “Oppenheimer” has its collections verified by global agencies, making the numbers presumably accurate. India has surprisingly become the most lucrative international market for “Oppenheimer” after the UK, with the film’s net earnings reaching Rs 91.05 crore in just ten days.
Even more surprising is that “Oppenheimer” has achieved this feat while screening in only 1,200 theaters across India, compared to the 3,200 screens for “Rocky Aur Rani”. Its opening day collection ranks seventh among all-time best Hollywood opening days in India, with “Avengers: Endgame” continuing to hold the top spot.
The figures for “Rocky Aur Rani” have been a matter of debate, with the producer’s numbers being higher than those shared by the film trade. However, both sets of figures fail to surpass the impressive numbers amassed by “Oppenheimer”.
Audience interest in the biographical film remained high even on its second weekend, potentially setting “Oppenheimer” on a course towards the coveted Rs 100-crore club. The viewers have clearly made their choice.
The story of a vivacious Punjabi boy from West Delhi and a refined Bengali woman, peppered with song and dance sequences, has fallen short when pitted against the morally torn, Gita-quoting atomic physicist in “Oppenheimer”.
