Ramayana’s final opening day numbers in India are in, and they confirm a below-par start. The film collected ₹77 Cr gross in India on Day 1, including 3D charges, making it only the 7th biggest opening at the Indian box office this year.
Biggest Openings at the Indian Box Office (Gross)
- Dhurandhar 2: ₹140 Cr (including premieres)
- Toxic: ₹119 Cr
- Peddi: ₹90 Cr (including premieres)
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day: ₹81 Cr (including 3D charges)
- The Raja Saab: ₹79 Cr
- Drishyam: The Conclusion: ₹78 Cr
- Ramayana: ₹77 Cr (including 3D charges)
Behind Toxic, Peddi and The Raja Saab
The list makes Ramayana’s start look even more modest. Yash’s Toxic, Ram Charan’s Peddi and Prabhas’s The Raja Saab all opened bigger in India. So did a Hollywood film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
For the most expensive film ever made in India, finishing seventh is a big surprise.
Premieres and 3D Charges
Some context matters here. Dhurandhar 2 and Peddi had premiere shows included in their opening numbers, which Ramayana didn’t have in India. On the other hand, Ramayana’s figure includes 3D charges, which slightly boost its total.
Even with that in mind, the film was expected to be much higher up this list.
High Ticket Prices Hurt
The biggest reason for the under-par opening is high ticket prices, especially in the big Hindi markets. Advance booking data showed much lower occupancy in cities with the most expensive tickets, while shows were fuller where prices were affordable.
The pre-festival period also played a part, with audiences busy ahead of Diwali.
The Diwali Boost Ahead
The good news for Ramayana is that its biggest days are still to come. With strong word of mouth, the film is expected to post its biggest numbers on the post-Diwali Monday and Tuesday, when the festival holidays bring families to theatres.
That growth will be crucial. Ramayana needs over ₹1500 Cr gross in India to break even, and with a start well below expectations, it will now depend heavily on a long and strong run.
