Ranabaali US: Advance Sales & Breakeven Target No Sync

Ranabaali USA Advance Sales Draw Concern

Vijay Deverakonda’s Ranabaali is heading towards release with a big overseas target, but the early USA advance sales are far from encouraging. With just six days left for the premieres, the film has sold only 1,891 tickets worth $33,165. For a film whose overseas rights have reportedly been sold for the biggest price of VD’s career, these numbers are a worrying sign.

The situation is serious because Ranabaali reportedly needs around $3 million from overseas, including $2.2 million from North America, to reach break-even. That is a huge ask, and the current premiere advances have barely made a start towards that target.

The makers and distributors have decided to allow all passes from the premiere shows itself to improve footfalls. This is an unusual move when the film is still nearly a week away from release. It also raises questions about the confidence surrounding its opening. The team clearly needs more people in theatres from the first show, but whether passes can create the required momentum remains to be seen.

The bigger concern is Vijay Deverakonda’s overseas market. Ranabaali has been mounted as a big period drama, with Rahul Sankrityan recreating 19th-century Rayalaseema and Rashmika Mandanna joining Vijay. The recent trailer presents Vijay in a fierce, larger-than-life role but the trailer also seems to have made not a big impact to boost the sales.

Of course, premiere advances can change quickly, and the final numbers will depend on the last few days of bookings and walk-ins. A strong talk from the premieres could still change the situation. But the buyers have paid a career-high price, and they need more than a decent opening to recover their investment.

Ranabaali has the scale, the star power and a massive overseas target. What it does not have right now is the advance booking momentum to match the business. With $2.2 million needed from North America, the film has a mountain to climb even before the audience gives its verdict.