Ramayana: Part 1 (Hindi) is expected to collect around Rs. 35 crores net on its second day at the Indian box office. This is a 25% drop from its opening day collection of around Rs. 45 crores.
The film has fallen short of the huge expectations. Given its star cast, massive budget and the popularity of the Ramayana story, it should have collected at least Rs. 125 crores net in Hindi in its first two days. The pre-Diwali release timing has affected the business, but the collections are still below expectations.
The film is doing average business in the South, with the dubbed versions expected to collect Rs. 12-13 crores net on Day 2. Surprisingly, the Telugu version is doing better than the Kannada version despite Yash being one of the lead actors. Unlike the Hindi market, the pre-Diwali factor is not a major issue in the South. The next three days are expected to see good growth due to Diwali. The five-day total for the South versions could reach Rs. 90 crores net. Ramayana is also likely to beat the lifetime collections of Jawan, Animal and Dhurandhar 2 in their south dubbed versions.
The Hindi version now needs a strong hold. The first four days were always expected to be slow due to pre-Diwali, with Monday being the biggest test. The post-Diwali holiday is considered one of the biggest days for cinema business in North India.
Overseas, the film is doing well. Australia collected AUD 650K on Friday, compared to AUD 500K on Day 1. The UK is heading towards a record opening weekend for an Indian film. North America is also seeing strong advance bookings for Day 2.
The worldwide gross on the first day was around Rs. 130 crores, and the estimated collections are expected to be around Rs. 95-100 crores on Day 2. This takes the two-day total to around Rs. 225 crores. With a reported worldwide breakeven target of Rs. 1500 crores, Ramayana has a long way to go. The opening has been below expectations, but the lifetime business will decide its fate. Monday’s jump will be crucial.
