The highly anticipated Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, is set to make history with its release on December 5, 2024. With a massive global rollout spanning 12,000 screens, the film is poised to achieve the biggest opening day in Indian cinema, dethroning the long-standing record held by Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.
Massive Advance Bookings Signal Historic Opening
Pushpa 2 has already made waves in advance ticket sales, which began in phases on Saturday. The film has clocked an advance booking of ₹70 crore for December 5 across India, supplemented by ₹7 crore from special premiere shows on December 4 in India and the U.S. This brings the total advance booking figures to ₹77 crore. By the time bookings close, the film is expected to hit the ₹90–₹100 crore range in India alone.
Breaking down the numbers, the Telugu version leads the pack with ₹38 crore in pre-sales, while the Hindi version follows closely with ₹27 crore. Internationally, the movie has already raked in ₹35 crore in pre-sales, including the premiere collections, bringing the worldwide advance booking total to an impressive ₹112 crore.
First-Day Box Office Projections
The opening day expectations for Pushpa 2 are monumental. The film is projected to earn ₹170 crore in India and an additional ₹65 crore internationally, taking the total first-day gross to ₹235 crore. This would not only surpass Baahubali 2’s ₹200 crore opening day in 2017 but also establish Pushpa 2 as the highest opener in the history of Indian cinema, both domestically and globally.
Here’s how the opening-day numbers are shaping up across regions:
- North India (Hindi Dubbed): ₹70 crore
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: ₹73 crore
- Karnataka: ₹15 crore
- Tamil Nadu: ₹8 crore
- Kerala: ₹7 crore
- Overseas (including premieres): ₹65 crore
Pushpa 2 vs. Baahubali 2: A Historic Battle
Pushpa 2 is all set to rewrite the record books, challenging the massive legacy of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. While Baahubali 2 created history with its ₹200 crore opening, Pushpa 2 aims to become only the second film in Indian cinema to cross the ₹200 crore mark on its opening day, and potentially the first to surpass it.
This achievement would solidify Allu Arjun’s position as one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema. Known for his magnetic screen presence and mass appeal, the actor has become a crowd-puller capable of commanding extraordinary box office numbers.
Regional Contributions to the Box Office
While Allu Arjun has a massive fanbase in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, his growing popularity in North India has turned the Hindi dubbed version into a significant revenue generator.
- Telugu Heartland Dominance: The film is expected to gross ₹73 crore from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone, matching the record-breaking standards of regional cinema.
- North India Surge: The Hindi version is projected to earn ₹70 crore, a testament to Allu Arjun’s rising stardom across India, bolstered by the success of the first Pushpa film.
- Other South Indian States: Karnataka is looking at a ₹15 crore start, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala are expected to contribute ₹8 crore and ₹7 crore, respectively.
- International Markets: With an estimated ₹65 crore opening overseas, including premieres, Pushpa 2 is making a strong case for Indian films in global markets.
Why Pushpa 2 is a Game-Changer
Pushpa 2: The Rule has all the ingredients for a blockbuster: a charismatic lead, a gripping narrative, and high-octane action. The franchise’s first installment, Pushpa: The Rise, was a massive success, setting the stage for this sequel. Fans are eagerly awaiting Allu Arjun’s return as the rugged and intense Pushpa Raj, and the pre-release hype has translated into record-breaking advance ticket sales.
The film also benefits from Sukumar’s direction, which has seamlessly blended action, emotion, and mass appeal. The storyline, coupled with chart-topping music and stunning visuals, ensures that Pushpa 2 appeals to audiences across demographics.
Challenges Ahead
While the opening day numbers are expected to break records, sustaining this momentum will depend on audience reception. Critics and viewers will be watching closely to see if Pushpa 2 delivers on its monumental expectations. Repeat viewership, especially in international markets, will be crucial in determining the film’s overall success.
The Beginning of a New Era
Pushpa 2 marks a new milestone in Indian cinema, not just as a record-breaking opener but as a symbol of the global reach and appeal of Indian films. Allu Arjun’s meteoric rise, fueled by the success of the Pushpa franchise, positions him as a formidable force in the industry. With the potential to topple Baahubali 2’s long-standing records, Pushpa 2 signifies the growing dominance of regional cinema on both national and international stages.
The stage is set for December 5, as Pushpa 2: The Rule prepares to etch its name in cinematic history. All eyes are on Allu Arjun and Sukumar as they aim for a ₹235 crore opening, making Pushpa 2 the ultimate game-changer for Indian cinema.