Kalki 2898 AD, the biggest and most expensive Indian film ever made, is set to create history as it hits theatres in just a few hours. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this magnum opus contains a powerhouse of a star cast and a compelling narrative rooted deeply in Indian mythology. The film’s enormous scale and star power have generated a considerable amount of buzz, and advance booking numbers have already shattered records. As the clock ticks down, the industry is abuzz with predictions and speculations about whether this film will topple current box office juggernauts like Baahubali and RRR from their lofty perches.
**Kalki 2898 AD’s Advance Booking Tsunami**
Starring stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone, with Kamal Haasan making a striking appearance in an extended cameo as the antagonist, Kalki 2898 AD is set against the backdrop of the 29th century. The narrative revolves around the prophesied tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, called Kalki. With a staggering budget of Rs 600 crore, the highest ever in the history of Indian cinema, the film promises visual spectacles through its groundbreaking VFX and action sequences.
The fervor for tickets has been nothing short of a frenzy. By 9 PM on the eve of its release, Kalki 2898 AD had already amassed Rs 49 crore in ticket sales just for its opening day, expecting to surpass Rs 50 crore by midnight and potentially reaching Rs 55 crore. These figures place Kalki 2898 AD ahead of recent blockbusters such as Pathaan, Jawan, Salaar, Leo, and Animal, falling short only to titans like Baahubali 2, KGF Chapter 2, and RRR.
Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas at BookMyShow, noted, “Kalki 2898 AD has created a theatrical stir across India even before its release, already crossing 1.5 million tickets booked on BookMyShow. This tremendous response reflects the film’s widespread appeal and keen anticipation among diverse audiences. Kalki 2898 AD has garnered spectacular interest from audiences opting to watch the mass entertainer at single-screen theatres, contributing to a massive 60% of ticket sales on BookMyShow so far.”
**Kalki 2898 AD’s Opening Day Predictions**
In the southern states, it is Prabhas’ formidable star power that has been the primary driver of advance bookings. From the Rs 49 crore in advance sales, a staggering Rs 40 crore came from Telugu-speaking regions alone.
. Trade analysts predict that Prabhas’ magnetism will ensure that the film enjoys sold-out screenings not just in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but also in bustling centers like Bengaluru.
Ramesh Bala, a seasoned trade analyst, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “His star power will ensure that the film opens to packed houses in the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). Outside this, even in centers like Bengaluru, his stardom is huge. There also, the film will open well.” Prabhas’ previous releases, Adipurush and Salaar, both achieved worldwide opening day collections of Rs 120 crore. And Kalki 2898 AD is already tracking significantly better than either of those films. Bala anticipates that a worldwide opening of Rs 150 crore should be easily achievable for Kalki 2898 AD.
**Can Kalki 2898 AD Breach the Rs 200-Crore Mark on Day One Itself?**
Industry insiders are optimistic, forecasting that Kalki 2898 AD is likely to rake in Rs 120-150 crore domestically and an additional Rs 60-80 crore from international markets on its first day. This creates the potential for a massive Rs 180-220 crore opening day haul. Many trade pundits predict that the Prabhas-starrer will likely surpass the opening day collection of KGF Chapter 2, which stood at Rs 160 crore.
However, the pressing question is whether Kalki 2898 AD can challenge the all-time opening day record of Rs 223 crore set by RRR. For this to become a reality, the film must perform exceptionally well in the Hindi-speaking belt, as the Telugu states have already demonstrated substantial saturation. Regardless of whether it breaks the ultimate record, Kalki 2898 AD appears set for a phenomenal opening, laying a solid foundation for a long-running success story. Beyond opening day, the film’s performance will heavily depend on the strength of its content and positive word of mouth, essential for sustaining its momentum over the long term.
The DNA app is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Please download the app and share your feedback with us.
