 "It's Hrithik versus Akshay Kumar this long weekend")
In line with expectations of trade pundits, Akshay Kumar starrer Rustom took the lead over Hrithik Roshan starring Mohenjo Daro. The crime thriller set in the late 50’s raked in Rs 13 crore on its opening day, as compared to Rs 9 crore earned by the Ashutosh Gowarikar-directed Mohenjo Daro, set in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
In anticipation of a three-day weekend, the two films released on August 12 in close to 2,500 screens each. Unlike other instances where two big films releasing on the same day caused a fight for screen and show share, producers of both the films went with a targeted distribution strategy, hence dividing the screens between the two.
Both the films also operate in distinct genres. While Mohenjo Daro falls in the historic drama/fiction category with a family appeal, Rustom, deals with edgier content. However, critics have given a lukewarm to both the films, given that it is a king weekend, occupancies are not dismally low. Friday occupancy for Mohenjo Daro was around 35 per cent while Rustom’s occupancy was around 50 per cent. The trend is expected to continue through the weekend, with occupancy picking up for both the films.
The slow start for Mohenjo Daro means profitability may be an issue. Made at a total cost of Rs 120 crore (production and promotions included), the films needs to rake in some serious moolah to be in the black. Given that it has recovered around Rs 60 crore in satellite, home video and music rights, it still needs to cross Rs 180 crore at the box office (India and overseas included), which may be a tough ask.
Overseas collections for the film fared better than the Indian counterparts. According to early estimates, Mohenjo Daro’s non-India collections for Friday would fall in the range of $1-1.02 million (approx. Rs 7 crore). The film has been released in around 800 screens in the overseas market.
Rustom on the other has better chances at profitability. Made at Rs 60 crore, the film has recovered Rs 25-27 crore in satellite and music rights. With a decent opening on opening day, the film can expect to recover the cost and break into profits at the Indian box office itself, and the 400 screens in the overseas market, will further add to profitability.
