Avengers: Endgame is off to a phenomenal start all over the world. We already saw the chances of it scoring a potential $300 million opening weekend domestically on the heels of a strong $140 million opening day in the US. The movie is faring well in other markets as well and India is certainly one of them. Endgame has grossed ₹53 crores (around $7.5 million) on its opening day in the country. This puts it ahead of the biggest Bollywood opener, last year’s Aamir Khan starrer Thugs of Hindostan and only third behind Baahubali 2: The Conclusion‘s ₹121 crores ($17 million) and 2.0‘s ₹70 crores ($10 million) although those figures themselves are subject to scrutiny.
In any case, that’s a phenomenal start that’s sure to make the local industries sweat. Already, Endgame is nearing the 7-8 day gross of Karan Johar’s highly marketed, big-budget 2019 release Kalank, which has managed to score close to ₹80 crores in that period against a nearly double production budget. Last year, Infinity War left a strong impression by grossing close to $43 million in the country. That fact wasn’t lost on Marvel and Disney who ramped up marketing in the country ahead of release, having Joe Russo visit Mumbai, tying up with musician A. R. Rahman for producing an anthem and even having Robert Downey Jr. address fans across Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai in a live simulcast / global event.
It’s enthralling to see how much Hollywood’s presence has increased in India. And this phenomenon can no longer be attributed to the elitist crowd anymore; these movies are making as much money as local productions, possibly even more. Already, Avengers: Endgame in Hindi language has snatched the record for the biggest opening day among Bollywood releases ever. It’s a testament to audiences demanding and being drawn toward quality storytelling, rich characters and long-running franchises and Hollywood is giving it to them at the same ticket prices as other Indian productions (in Endgame‘s case though, that may be slightly incorrect since ticket prices have nearly doubled compared to those for other movies).
It’s certainly going to be interesting to follow Endgame‘s run across the Indian market. It’s already being pegged as the first movie to potentially cross the $300 million opening weekend barrier at the North American box-office. Could it also be the first Hollywood production to gross 300 crores at the Indian box-office (a huge milestone in the country)? That’s going to be exciting to watch. And just in case you’re curious as to what all the hype and hooplah is about, be sure to check out our explanation of what makes Avengers: Endgame so popular.
Avengers: Endgame is running in theaters now. Be a good fellow and don’t spoil the Endgame until after a few days, when everyone has gotten a chance to see it. As for me, look out for my review of Avengers: Endgame sometime in the next day or two right here on Appocalypse.
