Prabhas Starrer Salaar Dominates Box Office With Record-Breaking Opening

Salaar, the highly anticipated action movie starring Prabhas, has taken the box office by storm with its record-shattering opening weekend. The film has emerged as a blockbuster hit across India as well as overseas, outperforming several other recent big-budget releases.

Massive Opening Weekend Collections

As per early estimates, Salaar has grossed over ₹175 crores ($21 million) worldwide in its opening weekend. This includes a net collection of ₹95 crores ($11.5 million) in India (all languages) for the opening day itself [1].

The film recorded the 4th highest opening day collection of all time in India, only behind Baahubali 2, KGF 2 and RRR [2]. This is a testament to Prabhas’ pan-India popularity.

The opening day numbers have also broken several regional opening day records including the highest ever day one collection in the Nizam area.

Nizam - ₹38.5 crores 
Andhra - ₹33 crores

[3]

Internationally too the response has been phenomenal with the film grossing $3.5 million in the US, outperforming several 2022 Hollywood releases like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Top US Openers in 2022:

RRR - $9.5 million
Brahmastra - $4.4 million  
Salaar - $3.5 million

[4]

Difference from Day 1 and Day 2

However, the film has seen a higher than expected drop from day 1 to day 2 especially in the Hindi markets. After the record breaking ₹95 crores on Friday, early estimates suggest a collection of around ₹55-56 crores on Saturday in India. [5]

This is a bigger drop compared to other recent blockbusters like KGF 2 (17% drop) and RRR (21% drop). For Salaar, the drop is estimated to be over 40%.

Analysts feel word-of-mouth and mixed reviews, especially for the Hindi version, may have contributed to this decline. The screen count also reduced on Saturday which impacted numbers.

However, the film is still expected to record one of the highest opening weekends of all time in India with 3-day estimates of over ₹175 cr nett.

Global Domination

Besides shattering Indian box office records, Salaar is on its way to becoming Prabhas’ 3rd $100 million+ grosser worldwide after the Baahubali series.

In just 2 days, the global gross collection has sailed past $30 million (₹250+ crores). Considering the film releases in Europe and other international markets next weekend, the worldwide numbers could realistically touch $60-70 million in 10 days.

Prabhas' Top Worldwide Grossers

Baahubali 2  - $270 million 
Baahubali    - $155 million
Saaho         - $130 million 
Salaar*       - $100+ million (projected)

After underwhelming performances of Radhe Shyam and Adipurush this year, Salaar’s box office rampage comes as a much needed boost for Prabhas who cements his place as one of India’s biggest superstars with this release.

Critical Reception

While the box office response has been historic, critical reception for Salaar has been mixed. Reviews have praised the high octane action sequences directed by KGF fame Prashanth Neel but felt the writing and plotting was inconsistent.

The Indian Express review sums it up as, “An unabashed masala potboiler that keeps you engaged despite its flaws.” [6] The Hollywood Reporter found the film “Messy but fun.” [7]

On the positive side, fans and the mass audience seem to be enjoying the film. Public opinion also remains high on leading star Prabhas who shoulders the extensive action with style.

What Next for Salaar?

Despite the higher than expected drop, Salaar has already recovered its investment from theatrical revenue alone thanks to the earth-shattering opening numbers.

Producers Hombale Films now expect a lifetime domestic collection of ₹250-300 crores which would make it among the top 10 highest grossing Indian films ever.

Overseas too, the film is targeting a $100 million final total from its worldwide run. Combined with earnings from satellite, digital and other ancillary mediums down the line, Salaar is enroute to be a blockbuster commercially.

This bodes well for the future of the big-budget action franchise as Salaar has been announced as the first of a 2-part series. Part 2 is likely to go on floors next year once Prabhas completes his current commitments.

After misfiring in 2022, Prabhas seems to have started 2023 with a bang thanks to this Prashanth Neel directorial. Salaar’s opening day collections alone have surpassed the full run totals of his last 2 films indicating that the superstar is back on track.

If you are late to the party, catch this action bonanza in cinemas near you to witness the Salaar storm for yourself!

[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/salaar-part-1-ceasefire-worldwide-box-office-collection-day-1-prabhas-film-creates-history-101703330642970.html

[2] https://www.telugu360.com/salaar-day1-worldwide-collections-all-time-top4-opening/

[3] https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/impressive-salaars-2-days-collections-in-nizam.html

[4] https://telugucinema.com/news/day-1-salaar-grosses-3-7-million-at-north-america

[5] https://www.news18.com/movies/salaar-box-office-day-2-prabhas-film-records-a-shocking-drop-on-saturday-earns-rs-55-cr-in-india-8715890.html

[6] https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/salaar-box-office-collection-day-2-prabhas-blockbuster-250-crore-worldwide-9080137/

[7] https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/salaar-part-1-ceasefire-review-prabhas-1235849631/

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