The looks that War 2 was creating are now having an action at the box office with the advance bookings of the movie opening with a bang in India. The highly anticipated action movie, featuring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, opened ticket sales on a Wednesday to gross over 2 crores on its first day itself, despite not having any Telugu shows listed on the first day of opening.
It is the first sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War and a part of the Yash Raj Films spy universe, so we simply cannot wait to see it. The original War redefined the genre of action movies in Bollywood, and with War 2 being a collaboration between two of India’s biggest superstars from two different movie industries, the buzz is like never before.
A Movie Blockbuster to Be Created
Since the time YRF made the official confirmation of War 2, which would see Hrithik Roshan coming back as Kabir and Jr NTR becoming the villain, fan expectations were rife, indicating a big avenue awaiting them. This cross-industry casting has evoked massive interest in both Hindi- and Telugu-speaking markets.
The film also raked in 2 crore+ in gross pre-sales at national chains in India, including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, on its first day in India. It is a remarkable figure bearing in mind the fact that the listings of Telugu shows are still low at the current state, implying that mostly the potential of the huge fan base of Jr. NTR has not been utilized fully.
According to industry analysts, once Telugu bookings are increased and marketing has been focused on the South, these figures will experience a steep rise.
Hrithik Roshan vs. Jr. NTR: A Dream Clash
The confrontation of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR is without a doubt one of the greatest features of War 2.
Hrithik Roshan is already the king of empowerment in Bollywood cinema. His style as Kabir in War was slick, intense, and power-packed.
Jr NTR, however, is new to the Bollywood film scene, as he just came off the worldwide success of RRR. A renowned actor with his dominating screen presence and electric energy is credited with playing a game-changer role in War 2.
On both sides of the industry, fans are rushing to watch this massive clash of charisma, acting skills, and high-action sequences.
Trends of Booking in advance in India
Premium formats such as IMAX and 4DX are already selling out on opening weekend in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Metros that have early morning shows had occupancy as high as 60 or 70 percent when less than 24 hours of ticket booking had been set.
But that is not the case elsewhere in Telugu-speaking regions. Even in the middle of popular Jr. NTR shows, they do not get advance sales there, except for a few Telugu dubbed ones. According to trade experts, this is because final negotiations with local distributors and theater chains are being done, and once those are passed, the figures could skyrocket.
Why War 2 May Open Records
A number of things indicate that War 2 may become one of the biggest openers in Indian film history:
- A spinoff of the YRF Spy Universe— Set in the same spy world, with Pathaan and Tiger 3 coming before it, War 2 is part of an ongoing spy franchise that has been turning out gold at the box office.
- Pan-India Potentiality—Hrithik carries the goodwill of Bollywood, and Jr. NTR carries the Telugu audiences, thereby making the film an out-and-out nationwide draw.
- Guns and Grand Action—The film has been reported to have the most extravagant action scenes ever to have been shot in India due to initial promotional teasers.
- Holiday Release Window—The movie is to be released during a big festive weekend, where the maximum footfall is possible.
By way of the buzz already, and current pre-sales, at least, War 2 may look to threaten or even break the record of Pathaan, in terms of the opening day of a Hindi movie
The Job of Kiara Advani
Although much focus is on Hrithik and Jr NTR, Kiara Advani is gaining attention with her part in War 2. On the one hand, Kiara, being familiar with the concept of glamor and convincing performances, is likely to add an emotional emphasis to the high-adrenaline story. Her appearance also expands the scope of the film in terms of appealing to the younger crowds.
Where Is Advance Bookings Going?
Industry trackers also believe that with the opening of more shows, more shows, particularly in the south region, being pinned open, War 2 should smash 10 crore+ in advance bookings much before its release date. Pre-sales in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are bound to improve on a large scale by the local promotions amid social media hype, especially when JR NTR announces them.
Also, the movie will also create history in terms of overseas bookings, especially in the USA, UAE, and Australia, where both Hrithik and Jr NTR enjoy a massive following.
Audience Expectations
Fan-created posters, Twitter countdowns, and the hype surrounding War 2 are unprecedented in Bollywood in recent memory. What viewers are expecting:
- Larger and louder fighting scenes than the first movie.
- Head-screwing twists that bind to the overall spy universe.
- Cool face-offs between Jr. NTR and Hrithik, which could be competing with Hollywood spy movies.
When the film promises on such parameters, the YRF Spy franchise may become the most successful in India.
Final Word
War 2 has already heralded a blockbuster run with its 2 cr+ advance booking on Day 1—and this is so far not pre-Telugu market, which has not fully opened. It has a dream cast, an enormous scale, and the force of the YRF spy franchise behind it, which means that the film is all set to make it to the top of the box office.
With the release date nearing, it will all be witnessed on how fast War 2 will go up the pre-sales ladder. Given the present trends, one can but be hopeful that it will be one of the biggest opening weekends in Indian cinema history.