Hanuman Ansh started with almost negligible box office collections, picked up through positive word of mouth and eventually became one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. Now, the film faces a completely different test with its OTT premiere on Sony LIV on November 27.
With around Rs. 450 crores in worldwide collections, Hanuman Ansh is the second biggest hit of the year after Dhurandhar 2. It is also the second biggest hit ever in the devotional genre after the 1975 classic Jai Santoshi Maa. Its final footfalls are expected to be around 1.7 crores.
But box-office success does not always guarantee the same response on OTT.
Theatre audiences experienced Hanuman Ansh as a word-of-mouth phenomenon. The growing excitement, packed screens and audience response played a big role in its success. OTT viewers, however, watch films differently. They have more time to notice weak writing, slow scenes, gaps in logic and other flaws that may go unnoticed in theatres.
Several films that became hits in theatres have received heavy trolling after arriving on OTT. At the same time, some films that failed at the box office have found a loyal audience through streaming.
Today, a film’s reputation is not decided by collections alone. Social media discussions on OTT can shape how audiences remember it years later.
Hanuman Ansh has already won the box-office battle. But can it win over OTT viewers too? Its November 27 premiere will offer a new verdict on the film.
