Why it still might be difficult for Udta Punjab to become a 'hit' film!

Udta Punjab is a film that's dark, gritty and appealing to a limited audience base only. Thanks to the controversial episode and the subsequent leak that followed, the buzz around the film was so terrifically high that the ensemble film that revolves around substance use has become the biggest opener for Shahid.

The film opened at a good Rs 10.50 crore and only grew over the weekend to nett in Rs 33.80 crore in the first three days. Now, the film had an expected fall on its first Monday but still managed to put up a decent show at the ticket windows. The film collected Rs 4.50 crore on its first Monday, which is almost half of what it brought in on its opening day. That is a good sign for a film like Udta Punjab. 

Still, having garnered Rs 37 crore plus in 4 days, the film might still not be able to go past the 'hit' mark. Why? Here's the detailed figure-wise explanation. 

The budget of Udta Punjab, including all promotional activities is around Rs 40 crore. The music rights of the film got the producers around Rs 3 crore and the digital rights went for another Rs 5 crore (approx). Now, you have to note that Udta Punjab is not a satellite friendly film at all. So the film won't get any money for its satellite rights. So, before the release, the makers were Rs 32 crore behind. 

To recover that money and get past the hit mark, the film has to do business which is double the amount, that is around Rs 65 crore. Will the film manage to cross the Rs 65 crore mark? The first week will end at around Rs 48 crore. It only depends on the film's performance in its second week that will determine its status.