Prabhas’ Salaar returns to theatres, surpasses Tumbbad’s re-release box office record

Prabhas‘ Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire has made a resounding return to theatres, demonstrating its enduring popularity among audiences. Originally released in December 2023, the action-packed thriller, directed by Prashanth Neel, has set a new benchmark for re-releases in India. Its opening-day collections have now surpassed those of Sohum Shah’s Tumbbad, which previously held the record for the highest-grossing re-release.

How Has Salaar’s Re-Release Performed at the Box Office?

According to industry tracker Track BO, Salaar amassed ticket sales worth ₹1.72 crore across South India on its first day back in theatres. This figure has pushed it ahead of Tumbbad, which had collected ₹1.6 crore on its re-release. The film recorded an impressive 33.55% occupancy rate, with approximately 1,35,228 tickets sold on its opening day. The strong response has come despite the movie being widely available on streaming platforms.

While Salaar’s numbers have been remarkable, it still falls short of the biggest re-release opening in India. That record is held by Sanam Teri Kasam, the 2016 romantic drama starring Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, which generated a surprising resurgence in demand, earning ₹4.25 crore on its first day in theatres.

What Made Salaar a Box Office Sensation?

Directed by Prashanth Neel, best known for the KGF franchise, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire became a massive success upon its original release. The film stars Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles, supported by an ensemble cast including Shruti Haasan and Jagapathi Babu.

Salaar stands out due to its high-octane action sequences, intricate storytelling, and a gripping narrative set in the fictional city-state of Khansaar, where a monarchy still holds power. The plot follows Deva (Prabhas), a prince forced into exile, who is later called back by his childhood friend Varadha (Prithviraj Sukumaran), the heir to the throne. As internal conspiracies threaten Varadha’s rule, Deva must rise to defend him, setting the stage for an intense battle.

The film resonated with audiences due to its grand visuals, intense performances, and larger-than-life action, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2023. During its initial theatrical run, Salaar crossed the ₹700 crore mark worldwide, cementing its status as a blockbuster.

How Has Salaar Performed on Streaming and Television?

Following its successful theatrical run, Salaar maintained its stronghold on the OTT market, trending on streaming platforms for an impressive 366 consecutive days. The film also made waves on television, with its Hindi-dubbed premiere garnering a staggering 30 million viewers. This widespread demand for the film has contributed to its enduring legacy, making its re-release a logical move for distributors.

Why Are Re-Releases Gaining Popularity in Indian Cinema?

The trend of re-releasing blockbuster films has gained momentum in India, with filmmakers and production houses capitalizing on audience nostalgia and renewed interest. The success of Sanam Teri Kasam, Tumbbad, and now Salaar highlights how audiences are willing to revisit beloved films in theatres, even when they are available on streaming platforms.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

• Limited new releases: With production schedules often disrupted, theatres look for bankable content to draw in audiences.
• Cult following: Certain films, particularly those with strong fan bases, enjoy repeated theatrical success.
• Festive and special screenings: Re-releases often coincide with special occasions, drawing higher footfall.

Given this growing trend, more studios are likely to explore re-releases as a revenue stream, particularly for films that already have a strong recall value.

What’s Next for Prabhas After Salaar?

Prabhas is now gearing up for his next big project, The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi and produced by Viswa Prasad under the People Media Factory banner. Featuring music by Thaman S, the film is set for a pan-India release across Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. While the exact release date has not been confirmed, it is expected to hit theatres around Dussehra 2025.

With his upcoming projects and the continued success of Salaar, Prabhas remains one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema. Whether through new releases or re-releases, his films continue to captivate audiences, proving his lasting influence on the industry.