Prabhas' "Kalki 2898 AD" Soars in Hindi, Proving its Pan-Indian Appeal
Prabhas' much-anticipated sci-fi epic, "Kalki 2898 AD," is taking the box office by storm, particularly in the crucial Hindi market. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin, has garnered positive reviews from critics and a strong word-of-mouth buzz, translating into impressive box office numbers.
Initial expectations suggested that the film's futuristic theme might limit its appeal to tier-1 cities. However, "Kalki 2898 AD" has defied these predictions, attracting a wide audience across the Hindi belt, resulting in a phenomenal ₹22.5 crore nett opening day, exceeding even trade pundits' expectations.
Despite a slight dip in morning and afternoon shows on the second day, the evening and night shows witnessed a resurgence in occupancies, suggesting strong audience interest. Estimates point towards a ₹21-22 crore net collection for the second day, highlighting the film's sustained momentum.
This remarkable performance surpasses the usual Thursday to Friday drop of 10-15%, even exceeding the phenomenal box office numbers of "Jawan." This demonstrates the film's strong hold on the Hindi heartland, showcasing Prabhas' massive fanbase in the region.
With these strong opening numbers, "Kalki 2898 AD" is poised to rake in a massive ₹100 crore net in its first weekend, establishing itself as a true pan-Indian success story. The film's impressive Hindi performance proves its ability to transcend regional boundaries and captivate a diverse audience, showcasing the power of a compelling narrative and star power.