Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film, Indian 2, finally hit theatres across India on Friday. The film, directed by Shankar, marks the return of the iconic character Senapathy, who first graced the silver screen in the 1996 classic, Indian. Despite a strong debut at the box office, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the film has received a lukewarm response from critics and audiences alike.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Indian 2 amassed an impressive Rs 26 crore nett across India on its opening day. The Tamil version contributed Rs 17 crore, while the Hindi and Telugu versions brought in Rs 1.1 crore and Rs 7.9 crore, respectively. However, this figure falls just short of the Rs 28 crore that Haasan’s previous blockbuster, Vikram, garnered on its first day in 2022. Vikram, which was met with positive reviews, eventually became Haasan’s highest-grossing film, with a lifetime global collection exceeding Rs 430 crore.
Indian 2, however, has not enjoyed the same critical acclaim. The film has been unanimously panned by critics, with many describing it as outdated and lacking the charm of its predecessor. The sequel, which also stars Urmila Matondkar and Manisha Koirala, faced a tumultuous production period, including tragic accidents that resulted in the loss of crew members’ lives.
The film’s mixed reception is reflected in its occupancy rates. The Tamil version saw an overall occupancy of 55%, with Chennai reporting a high of 68%. In contrast, the Hindi version had a negligible 11% occupancy, with Mumbai and Delhi-NCR reporting 12.5% and 8%, respectively. The Telugu version performed better, with a 58% occupancy rate. Released as Hindustani 2 in Hindi and Bharateeyudu 2 in Telugu, the film’s varying reception across languages highlights the challenges it faces in replicating the success of its predecessor.
Kamal Haasan’s recent appearances in Kalki 2898 AD, which grossed over Rs 900 crore globally, and his upcoming film Thug Life, suggest a continued robust presence in Indian cinema. However, the critical reception of Indian 2 casts a shadow over the potential success of a possible Indian 3.
In summary, while Indian 2 has proven to be a box office draw, the negative reviews could hinder its long-term success. As fans and industry watchers speculate on the future of the franchise, Kamal Haasan’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema remains unchallenged.
