Indian 2 rollercoaster: Kamal Haasan’s latest hits Rs 70cr amidst critic battles

Kamal Haasan, a luminary of Indian cinema, continues his success streak into 2024 with notable roles that have significantly impacted the box office. His latest venture, ‘Indian 2’, directed by Shankar, has minted over Rs 70 crore in its first week, despite facing a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics alike.

‘Indian 2’ serves as a sequel to the 1996 hit ‘Hindustani’ (also known as ‘Indian’), where Haasan portrayed the iconic freedom fighter Senapathy. The sequel extends Senapathy’s narrative into the 21st century, focusing on his crusade against corruption. However, unlike its predecessor, ‘Indian 2’ struggled initially to attract the audience, securing Rs 59.15 crore in its opening weekend, primarily driven by pre-release bookings.

The film’s performance during the weekdays saw a notable decline, with Monday and Tuesday earnings slowing to a mere Rs 3 crore, and a slight uptick on Wednesday with Rs 3.3 crore, before dropping again on Thursday to Rs 2 crore, as reported by Sacnilk. The total domestic collection now stands at an estimated Rs 70.45 crore.

In a surprising twist, director Shankar has opted to expand the ‘Indian’ saga into a trilogy, raising both anticipation and stakes for the future installments. The ensemble cast featuring Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, Kajal Agarwal, and SJ Suryah adds to the film’s star appeal.

The box office trajectory of ‘Indian 2’ reflects the challenges and unpredictability of film sequels in retaining the charm and appeal of their originals. The mixed reviews highlight a critical reception that may influence audience turnout, but the strong initial bookings suggest a solid fanbase and a nostalgia factor that cannot be underestimated.

Besides ‘Indian 2’, Kamal Haasan’s upcoming projects include ‘Thug Life’ with Mani Ratnam, ‘Vikram 2’ with Lokesh Kanagaraj, and ‘Kalki 2’ with Nag Ashwin, promising a year filled with diverse and impactful cinematic experiences. As ‘Indian 2’ navigates its course through the cinematic waters, all eyes will be on how these sequels and new projects will perform, shaping Haasan’s enduring legacy in the film industry.