Last Friday, theatres saw the release of two mid-budget Bollywood films. Rajkummar Rao’s massy turn in Maalik clashed with Shanaya Kapoor’s long-delayed debut in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan at the box office.
However, as the opening weekend ended, neither emerged as a winner, both were overshadowed by a Hollywood film.
James Gunn’s Superman reboot soared past the two Hindi releases to become the highest-grossing film in India last weekend, and it continues to lead.
Maalik, which featured Rajkummar Rao in an unexpected avatar, earned ₹19.70 crore in its six-day run at the box office.
Shanaya Kapoor’s debut, co-starring Vikrant Massey, was a romantic drama that many had anticipated. However, it managed to collect only ₹1.68 crore in six days.
Emerging as the clear winner, Superman earned ₹33.62 crore in its six-day run.
Starring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, Superman opened at ₹7 crore net on Friday and showed a strong weekend jump, reaching ₹25.50 crore net. According to Warner Bros. India, the film grossed ₹32 crore in India during its opening weekend.
Superman posed tough competition for the Bollywood releases, and the reasons for its dominance are plenty.
For many, Superman was their first introduction to superheroes. Audiences don’t just watch Superman films for the story, they return to reconnect with their favourite, their first superhero.
The moment someone thinks of Superman, they’re transported back to childhood, cheering for their hero and wishing they could be him.
This film doesn’t just offer a story, it delivers a larger-than-life experience that makes every viewer feel like a kid again.
The debate isn’t about box office numbers alone, it’s about which film gave audiences that awe-filled, wide-eyed feeling of wonder.
That’s what cinema was made to offer. And when a film delivers that, the audience is hooked.
