As the film industry evolves, so does its commercial landscape. Once, reaching a lifetime business of Rs 100 crore was the peak of success in cinema. However, that benchmark has now become redundant.
The new benchmark? Surpassing the Rs 100 crore mark on the opening day itself. Several directors have achieved this remarkable feat, with some accomplishing it more than once.
SS Rajamouli was the trailblazer, smashing the Rs 100 crore gross on the opening day with “Baahubali 2”. Not only did it pioneer the 100-crore club, but it also soared to become the first and only Indian film to rake in over Rs 200 crore worldwide on its debut.
His subsequent venture, “RRR,” also surged past the 150 crore mark globally on its opening day.
Prashanth Neel followed suit, delivering two 100-crore openers with “KGF 2” (135 crores) and “Salaar” (160 crores).
Lokesh Kanagaraj also ascended the ranks with “Leo,” amassing 140 crores on its inaugural day worldwide. Om Raut too joined the league with a 100-crore opener in “Adipurush” (125 crores).
Others like Atlee with “Jawan” (129 crores), Sujeeth with “Saaho” (120 crores), Sandeep Reddy Vanga with “Animal” (115 crores), and Sidharth Anand with “Pathaan” (106 crores) have also contributed to this illustrious list.
The next contender poised to enter this elite club of directors is Sukumar.
Judging by the buzz surrounding “Pushpa 2” and the lucrative business offers it’s garnering, crossing the 100 crore mark on the first day seems a cakewalk. It wouldn’t be surprising if it surged beyond 150 crores, inching closer to the coveted 200-crore gross first-day milestone.
Should “Pushpa 2” achieve the 200-crore feat, Sukumar would follow in the footsteps of SS Rajamouli, propelling him into just a different league.
