Prasanth Varma’s ambitious superhero film, “Hanu-Man,” has roared onto the silver screen with a resounding box office performance. Released this Friday, the film captivated audiences with its unique blend of Hindu mythology, high-octane action, and stunning visuals.
Fuelled by overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth generated through paid premieres, “Hanu-Man” witnessed strong footfalls across various regions. This enthusiastic response extended beyond the domestic market, with the film also garnering impressive collections overseas. The movie’s success can be attributed to its gripping content, coupled with glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The film’s performance in the Hindi belt, a notoriously tough market for non-Bollywood productions, exceeded expectations. Despite minimal promotional efforts and lacking a star cast familiar to North Indian audiences, “Hanu-Man” pulled in a commendable 2.15 crores nett on its opening day. This figure surpasses the first-day collections of “Karthikeya 2,” another Telugu film with a mythological theme, which amassed only 30 lakhs in the North.
Several factors seem to be contributing to “Hanu-Man’s” box office trajectory. The lack of major competition in the Hindi market post the conclusion of “Dunki” and “Salaar” provides a clear run for the film. Additionally, the rising tide of “Hindutwa” sentiment in North India, fuelled by the impending inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, likely played a role in drawing audiences to the film’s theme.
Trade experts remain optimistic about “Hanu-Man’s” commercial prospects. With over ten days of free run before Hrithik Roshan’s “Fighter” arrives, the film has the potential to significantly boost its collections. The unique combination of its content and timing suggests that “Hanu-Man” might just swing its way to box office glory, becoming a surprise hit in the North Indian market.
Only time will tell how far “Hanu-Man” soars, but its impressive opening and promising outlook undeniably cement its position as a film to watch in the coming weeks. This success story not only underscores the power of good storytelling but also hints at the growing acceptance of regional cinema by diverse audiences across India.