Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani makes a decent start and picks pace

Karan Johar’s anticipated film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, made its worldwide theatrical debut on Friday. Taking a bold step, the makers chose to premiere the movie just one week after the ‘Barbenheimer’ clash. This strategic move seems to have positioned the KJo film for an advantage, as the hype surrounding Greta Gerwig’s Barbie in India has dwindled, although it still maintains interest in other parts of the world. The film’s only competition at the moment is Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

According to early reported estimates in the media, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani garnered a good Rs 11.5 crore from Indian theatres on its opening day. While this figure falls short of Nolan’s film, which opened with Rs 14.5 crore, the KJo movie has at least secured the fifth-highest opening day collections for Hindi films in 2023. The top four spots are said to belong to Pathaan (Rs 57 crore), Adipurush (Rs 36 crore), Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (Rs 15.81 crore) and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (Rs 15.73 crore), as reported by film trade websites.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is said to have began its day with a 12% occupancy in the Hindi market during morning shows. However, it is learnt to have steadily gained momentum throughout the day, with occupancy rates rising to 15.80% for afternoon shows, 20.18% for evening shows, and 36.85% for night shows.

In addition to the duo of Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani boasts an ensemble cast featuring Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Aamir Bashir, Tota Roy Choudhury, Churni Ganguly, Kshitee Jog and Anjali Anand in significant roles.