It’s the period for patriotism. But come to think of it, is there really any specific time for harbouring nationalistic sentiment? Isn’t it India first for all of us? At least at the movies, it’s absolutely like that.
MANIKARNIKA STRIKES GOLD
Kangana Ranaut-starrer Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi was well received over the Republic Day weekend. The film, which is produced by Zee Studios and Kamal Jain, notched an envious Rs 42.55 cr in its home run and also became a talking point for the valour and bravery displayed by Rani Lakshmibai, one of the youngest and bravest fighters to participate in the Indian freedom struggle.
In fact, trade analyst Taran Adarsh even tweeted, “#OneWordReview… #Manikarnika: POWERFUL. Rating:*** ½ Inspiring movie that has scale and soul... Kangana, take a bow. You’re terrific... First half could be tighter. Second half awe inspiring... Climax brilliant... Power, pride, patriotism — this has it all. #ManikarnikaReview” (sic).
The period drama picked up in Delhi, NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan and in Gujarat, it saw 100 per cent growth over Saturday and Sunday. It has also crossed 1.55 million USD overseas and entered the Top 20 in Australia and Top 15 in NZF (New Zealand and Fiji).
Talking about the response to the film, Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios said, “We are humbled by the overwhelming response from audiences to the film, especially the younger generation. Rani Lakshmibai has always been in our collective psyche for the longest time. It’s the first time most Indians are visually seeing a manifestation of her valour and courage on the big screen, love has been pouring in from all quarters. Following extremely positive word-of-mouth, the film has shown an outstanding growth in collections through the weekend. We expect it to continue to grow this week.”
Vibha Chopra, Head, Zee Studios International (Distribution, Marketing & Acquisitions) added on the movie’s overseas performance, “Manikarnika showcases heroism, sacrifice and indomitable strength of a woman. Audiences around the world have connected with these emotions. The film is the widest international release in this genre and is continuing to gain momentum as we start week two. Owing to the relevance of Rani Lakshmibai’s story worldwide, we will continue to put all our strengths together to get more eyeballs in the coming weeks. This is definitely a story that must be told to audiences across borders.”
URI STILL GOING STRONG
The other movie that continued to keep Manikarnika company was Uri: The Surgical Strike. This war drama started its run three weeks ago and in keeping with the mood of the nation, it kept surging ahead.
Kangana and Vicky Kaushal have warmed their way into the hearts of Indians across the globe. Check the collections of the two movies and you will realise that patriotism served up in the movies has the audience satiated to another level.
THE NUMBER GAME
MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI
- Friday Rs 8.75 cr
- Saturday Rs 18.1 cr
- Sunday Rs 15.70 cr
- Grand Total Rs 42.55 cr over the first weekend
URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE
- Rs 157.55 cr till the third weekend
(This is the nett gross from reliable trade sources for the domestic market only)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Kangana Ranaut and Vicky Kaushal")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}