Barbenheimer brings back the cheer
NEW DELHI : A showdown between two high-profile Hollywood films, Oppenheimer and Barbie, has brought some much-needed cheer to the Indian box office after months of lacklustre sales. Moviegoers flocked to theatres, despite the absence of major Hindi or regional movie productions or popular stars. Film trade experts estimate Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer to achieve net box office collections of around ₹50 crore during its opening weekend, while Greta Gerwig's Barbie is projected to reach approximately ₹20-25 crore.
The rush to watch the films has caught many by surprise, reflecting the pent-up enthusiasm of audiences to return to movie theatres after an extended gap. Neither of the two films features stars popular among Indian audiences or appeals to viewers in the heartland. The releases have also been limited to major cities and multiplexes, with Oppenheimer releasing on 1,900 screens and Barbie on 850.
“It has been a phenomenal weekend for the business thanks to Oppenheimer, ably supported by Barbie. We’re seeing these numbers after very long, last seen for Pathaan in January," said Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director, PVR Inox Ltd. The audience in India that has evolved and appreciates smart, intelligent cinema can no longer be taken for granted, Bijli added, referring to the success of the seemingly niche titles.
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