In an industry often dominated by star-studded male-driven narratives, the female-led comedy ‘Crew’ has proven itself a juggernaut at the box office. The film, headlined by powerhouses Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon, has surpassed expectations and amassed an impressive second-day collection, signaling a strong run ahead.
Opening on the auspicious occasion of Good Friday, ‘Crew’ capitalised on the holiday, hauling in Rs 10.28 crore on its first day. The movie showed no signs of slowing down, as it maintained its grip on the box office, rallying to an even more remarkable Rs 10.83 crore on the following day, solidifying a two-day total of Rs 21.15 crore, as reported by celebrated trade analyst Taran Adarsh. Adarsh, known for his eagle-eyed box office assessments, took to social media to praise the film’s exceptional hold and its strong performance across urban and mass-market centres.
Projected to exceed a staggering Rs 33 crore in its opening weekend, ‘Crew’ is not just a commercial success but a testament to the potential for women-led content in an industry ready for change. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan and showcased under the banners of Balaji Telefilms and Anil Kapoor Film & Communications Network, ‘Crew’ was strategically released on March 29 and has since captivated audiences with its refreshing tale and lively performances.
‘Daringly brash and undeniably glamorous, the trio of Kapoor, Tabu, and Sanon bring vibrancy to their roles as audacious air hostesses. From comedic hijinks involving the theft of peanut boxes to aspirational goals of significant monetary gain, they have charmed audiences with a blend of wit and chemistry that is as rare as it is delightful. The narrative set against the contrasting backdrop of a struggling airline industry sees the charismatic protagonists navigate through chaotic, often hilariously unwarranted circumstances, getting entangled in a web of lies.
During the film’s trailer launch, Kriti Sanon delved into the delights of being part of a women-centric film, voicing her admiration for her co-stars and the refreshing dynamics of their working relationship. Emphasizing the film’s comedic strengths, Sanon pointed out that ‘Crew’ transcends stereotypical expectations of women’s roles in cinema, particularly the misplaced assumption that such films are inherently serious or male-critical.
Sanon’s observations about ‘Crew’ highlight a larger trend in contemporary cinema that seeks to celebrate women’s stories through varied genres and narratives beyond dramatic or issue-based frameworks. It’s a shift that offers audiences a glimpse into the diverse perspectives and talents women bring to filmmaking, an essential step towards greater inclusivity on and off the screen.
The film’s initial success offers a promising outlook for the industry, suggesting that gender need not be a barrier to box office success or audience appeal. As ‘Crew’ continues its theatrical journey, it serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential of female-led stories and the evolving tastes of the movie-going public. The film’s success story will likely inspire more such ventures in the future, setting a precedent for the balance of representation in mainstream cinema.
The critical and commercial acclaim garnered by ‘Crew’ is not merely a win for its remarkable ensemble cast but a victory for the industry’s ongoing quest for wider representation and narrative variety. As the film soars high with its box office numbers, it signals to filmmakers and studios alike that the appetite for diverse, women-led content is not just present but robust and commercially viable. With ‘Crew,’ the sky’s the limit.
