Unbelievable! That could well be the word to describe the box office phenomenon that Brahmastra has turned out to be. Never before has a film turned out to be such a rage in 10 days leading to its release than the way it has happened for this Karan Johar production. Typically when a film opens huge and in the excess of Rs. 30 crores, it’s an event release which has been in hype for years in succession with largely positive vibes around itPick any of these films and the response would be the same – KGF – Chapter 2 [Hindi], War, Thugs of Hindostan, Happy New Year, Bharat, Baahubali – The Conclusion [Hindi], Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Sultan, Dhoom: 3, Tiger Zinda Hai, Chennai Express, Ek Tha Tiger, Singham Returns or Golmaal Again. Each of these is either a franchise or a festival release. However, Sanju and Brahmastra, both being non-holiday and non-franchise releases, are the only ones to still find a place amongst the top and both are Ranbir Kapoor starrers, which signify how the youngster is standing tall.
Sanju still had the advantage of seeing all around positive push for it, especially since Rajkumar Hirani was directing it and also it was Sanjay Dutt’s biopic. On the other hand Brahmastra was years in the making and had to battle a lot of storm right through its making with the air of negativity much more prevalent till about 10 days before the release. However, a series of marketing and promotional exercise brought in a change of narrative and the wind started blowing the other way. Result? The film has now netted Rs. 37 crores (including Rs. 5 crores from the south versions) and rest assured, a weekend in the range of Rs. 120 crores is comfortably on the cards!
