The echelons of Bollywood lit up with fervor as the comedy heist film ‘Crew’, starring a powerhouse trio of Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon, soared to success, becoming the highest-grossing opening day release for a female-led Hindi movie. Released on March 29, the film managed to captivate not only the audience but also the stalwarts of the Indian film fraternity, as it accumulated a worldwide gross of Rs 20.07 Cr on its first day.
The film industry’s glitterati were swift to celebrate the triumph of ‘Crew’ on social media platforms, bestowing accolades on the cast who propelled the film to this remarkable achievement. Alia Bhatt, the luminary actress known for her riveting screen presence, enthusiastically took to Instagram to commend the film. “This #Crew has smashed the BO,” Bhatt exulted, conveying her felicitation to the film’s stellar team including Rhea Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, as well as leads Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon. Her infectious cheer signaled a changing tide in an industry typically dominated by male-centric narratives.
Adding to the chorus of acclaims, Sanjay Kapoor, the veteran actor, characterized ‘Crew’ as an “excellent film” and extolled the cast for their exceptional portrayals, recognizing the collaborative effort that paved the way to its box-office conquest. Ridhi Dogra, another prominent name in the domain of Indian acting, expressed her pride for the brilliant women who played an integral role both in the limelight and behind the scenes of this remarkable venture.
Bhumi Pednekar, a critically acclaimed actress lauded for her diverse roles, also joined the agglomeration of voices lauding the film. Sharing her admiration, she congratulated the team, heralding their groundbreaking accomplishments. She took to Instagram, tagging the powerful personalities like Rhea Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and the film’s leading ladies, in her applause.
Huma Qureshi emphasized the film’s significant achievement, recognizing the caliber of performances by the ensemble cast. “This is huge! Congratulations,” Qureshi remarked, acknowledging the gravity of the film’s resounding success. It was not just the cast that received acknowledgment but also the visionaries like the Kapoors, who were integral in the creation and production of this cinematic feat.
Continuing its impressive streak, ‘Crew’ garnered a remarkable 10.87 Cr in India Net and 21.06 Cr Gross worldwide on its second day, reflective of the audience’s enamor with the movie. As it stands, the film boasts a total worldwide gross of 41.13 Cr, much to the delight of its creators and fans alike.
Apart from being a commercial hit, Crew’s success story marks a significant milestone in the Bollywood industry, shifting the paradigm and challenging preconceived notions surrounding female-led films. Under the direction of Rajesh A. Krishnan and backed by Balaji Telefilms along with Anil Kapoor Film & Communications Network, ‘Crew’ is now a testament to the fact that films headlined by women can not only draw crowds but also create a lasting impact on the box office.
With ‘Crew’ breaking records and setting new precedents, it is evident that this heist comedy has etched its name in the annals of Indian cinema history. The huge support from Bollywood’s finest accentuates Crew’s monumental first two days at the box office, proving that the film industry is ready to embrace and celebrate diverse storytelling that highlights the prowess of women in cinema. It is not just a win for the film’s cast and crew but also a beacon for future projects that dare to colour outside the traditional lines of Bollywood narrative.