War 2 Box Office Prediction Day 1: Trade Experts Discuss Hrithik-Jr NTR Vs Rajinikanth's Coolie, Impact On YRF Spyverse | EXCL

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War 2 Box Office Prediction Day 1: Trade Experts Discuss Hrithik-Jr NTR Vs Rajinikanth’s Coolie, Impact On YRF Spyverse | EXCL

A lot is running on War 2. From a whopping budget, the brand of two megastars – Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, and an entire YRF Spy Universe to back, the franchise sequel is touted to decide the fate of a lot of things. The sixth movie in the Spyverse, the Ayan Mukerji directorial, also starring Kiara Advani, is gearing up for its mega release on August 14. But, despite riding on the shoulders of a huge brand and banner, would the actioner deliver at par with audience expectations, making the most of the extended Independence Day weekend?

The makers have been pulling all stops for days to promote War 2 in every nook and corner. From reels to social media posts, and from online exchanges between Hrithik and Jr NTR, to teasing the audience about their highly-awaited dance-off number Aavan Jaavan, there hasn’t been any dearth of marketing. Industry experts agree that the film has a strong buzz.

Trade experts discuss War 2’s possible fate with Zoom

In an exclusive chat with Zoom, market experts weighed in to share what they expect from the movie. “Industry is very excited for War 2 because obviously it’s a big film, big franchise and a big production, and is coming after Saiyaara. The first part did exceptionally well. So we all are looking forward,” trade guru Taran Adarsh said.

Film distributor Akkshay Rathie added, “Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR are two glorified stars. Just like the tagline of “Hrithik Vs Jr NTR’, I think that’s exactly what’s happening at the box office. The Hindi advanced bookings are doing incredibly well and we’re looking at fireworks.”

Trade expert and producer Girish Johar is optimistic for the long weekend too. “The good part is that the box office is slowly coming back to the habitual watch, rather than event watch. Things look good for all the releases.”

Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR in a still from Aavan Jaavan

War 2 in YRF Spy Universe

War 2 is the latest offering in the YRF Spyverse after Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Pathaan, Tiger 3 and its own 2019 prequel, War. The movie is releasing in three languages – Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. According to Sacnilk’s report, War 2 sold 3,19,300 tickets by 7:00 AM on Wednesday, all languages and formats combined.

North vs South

For the makers to rope in RRR fame Jr NTR as the movie’s main villain Vikram, up against Hrithik Roshan’s Major Kabir, is a “masterstroke.” While the film’s trailers and songs have managed to pique the curiosity, the makers have so far ensured to keep the plot under wraps whether Jr NTR plays an out-and-out negative character, or just an anti-hero, a soldier gone rogue.

Rathie opined that the presence of Jr NTR could be a “game changer”. He added, “If you purely look at the kind of attraction that’s happening in the Telugu speaking belts, it’s unprecedented. Jr NTR being a bonafide star, irrespective of the merit of the film, people buy tickets and that’s happening in a huge way in the Southern states.”

Rajinikanth in Coolie

War 2’s predicted Day 1 collection

So how much are the experts expecting out of War 2 on its Day 1? While everyone believes the trends point at an opening day collection of Rs 40-50 crore, they also believe War 2 coming against Tamil mega release Coolie might just pose a threat given the impact of Rajinikanth’s clout.

According to Johar, the preferences will definitely remain divided. “The Hindi market will primarily be preferring War 2, and southern market’s first preference will be Coolie. But thereafter if there is an appetite to watch a second film, we have options.”

Adarsh reiterated, “The audience will be divided, even the screens, footfalls and everything. If there’s wasn’t a clash with Coolie, it would have crossed Rs 50 crore.” Rathi said as exhibitors, “irrespective of how good the figure is, we’ll always be asking for more.”

War 2 lacking buzz?

Many believe despite YRF pulling all stops at promotions, War 2 has been unable to gather pre-release storm. “Buzz could’ve been more, but I think that’s okay. That’s how Yash Raj releases their films,” Adarsh added.

Johar however trusts content. He said, “We have so many past releases that surged after the first few shows, by 9-10 AM. It can change gear very easily if the content is appreciated.” A lot also rallies on the pure stardom of Hrithik and Jr NTR. Rathie added, “Hrithik’s stardom is the same how it has been for 20-25 years. And that doesn’t erode overnight.”

Johar concluded that with multiple releases, “I really hope we have 100 crores and more this weekend.”