EXCLUSIVE: RECORD 60 lakh admissions expected for Pushpa 2 - The Rule over the weekend in PVR Inox; Sanjeev Kumar Bijli shares FASCINATING details; opens up on sky-high ticket rates for Allu Arjun-starrer

As Pushpa 2 – The Rule gears up for an earth-shattering opening on December 5, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Ltd, talked exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about his expectations from the Allu-Arjun starrer, the kind of craze generated by the sequel and a lot more.

 

EXCLUSIVE: RECORD 60 lakh admissions expected for Pushpa 2 - The Rule over the weekend in PVR Inox; Sanjeev Kumar Bijli shares FASCINATING details; opens up on sky-high ticket rates for Allu Arjun-starrer

 

How has been the response to the advance booking of Pushpa 2 – The Rule at the properties of PVR and Inox?

 

The response is very positive. We always expected Pushpa 2 to be a big film, going by the trends and the numbers of the first part and also because it’s a very strong franchise. We have opened the advances and the film is tracking very well. We are looking at almost 60 lakh admissions over the weekend. I also think it’s going to do about Rs. 200 crores in its first weekend.

 

If Pushpa 2 – The Rule manages to achieve 60 lakh footfalls in its extended weekend across languages, will that be the highest ever for a film in its weekend in PVR Inox?

 

Yes, it will be, especially if it goes the way it's going right now. This is an estimate based on the overwhelming response that we have received.

 

The makers of Pushpa 2 – The Rule have claimed that it’ll have the largest release ever for an Indian film. Will we get to see that in your multiplex chain as well?

 

70% of our screens are being dedicated to the release of Pushpa 2. So, yes, you could probably say that it’s the biggest screen count ever. There’s no other competition this time. Normally, two big films come on the same day and they clash, leading to the division of screens. In this case, there’s no other film releasing on December 5 which allows us to allot huge numbers of shows to this film.

 

What are your views on Allu Arjun based on these advance sales of Pushpa 2 – The Rule? Do you think he’s the biggest star of Indian cinema?

 

Absolutely. If anyone can deliver such a colossal hit, he deserves to be called the biggest star (laughs).

 

 

The response is much more than KGF - Chapter 2 and other sequels which have been released in recent times. What is it about Pushpa 2 – The Rule that has led to such excitement among the people?

 

You can never tell what resonates with the consumers. Also, the film was delayed. It was earlier supposed to come in May and then it was shifted again. Finally, it is arriving on December 5. Yet, it didn’t dim the enthusiasm of the patrons. I also feel that it’s a combination of everything – the genre, the star cast, the director, the scale at which the film has been etc. Also, the marketing strategy it has adopted has worked. We saw how they pulled in the crowds with their events. The one in Patna was massive. Hence, this film has clearly hit the spot.

 

The rates in some properties of PVR Inox have gone through the roof and reportedly, it has led to complaints from a section of the patrons…

 

I think that the reports tend to highlight the highest ticket price. There are slabs of ticket prices which are based on weekend, weekday and formats. We have multiple formats like IMAX and 4DX and then luxury screens like Insignia, Luxe, Director’s Cut etc. So, the focus was more on what the Insignia screens are charging, which isobviously meant for a different experience. It’s like highlighting only the first-class fare and not the economy fare! But we have multiple pricing and there’s a price point for everybody.

 

Apart from Pushpa 2 – T he Rule, Mufasa: The Lion King and Baby Johnawill also be released in December. Are you hopeful that the year will end with a bng?

 

Absolutely. December is looking great as always. We also have Hollywood movies like Heretic, Kraven The Hunter and a couple of more South Indian films releasing this month. I am hopeful that all these films will give us great numbers.

 

Also Read: Single screens in Hindi speaking markets reject 60% revenue share demand for Pushpa 2 – The Rule; final terms to be decided post-release

Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection,New Movies Release, Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood News Today & upcoming movies 2024 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.