It was predicted in this column that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will open in Rs. 27-Rs. 30 crores range. Well, this is what happened as the film took a start of Rs. 27.50 crores. This was on the cards as well since the advance booking numbers were fabulous right from the onset. Especially on IMAX and premium 3D screens across the country, the film was practically going houseful. Even otherwise the average occupancy was quite good and that ensured a very healthy first day.
Of course, an opening of Rs. 30 crores has a different ring to it, and one has got used to witnessing that with many Marvel offerings. However, one has to bear in mind that unlike Avengers franchise, which has all superheroes coming together, and Spider-Man, which is a household name in India for decades, Doctor Strange is a relatively new character. Not to forget that not all superhero films from Marvel, with new characters, do well either, as seen in last year's Diwali release Eternals. That film folded up soon enough while this one has started with a bang.
What has to be seen is whether Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will manage a Rs. 100 Crore Club weekend from here. Well, it would be difficult since Spider-Man: No Way Home, which is a much loved film, opened at Rs. 32.67 crores and then had a weekend of Rs. 108.37 crores. Here, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has started on a slightly lesser note and then it isn't flying solo; it has KGF: Chapter 2 [Hindi] for company as well. That film too will eat into the collections a bit, which means it would be a touch and go for the Hollywood biggie.
Note: All collections as per production and distribution sources
