It was predicted in this column that Baywatch would take a decent start of Rs. 5-7 crore. Well, all predictions have failed, and how, as the film has not even seen a respectable beginning at the Box Office. With less than Rs. 2 crore coming on Day One, the film has failed big time. In fact, the numbers are lesser than even minimally hyped Hollywood films that have hit the Indian screens this year.
This further reiterates the fact that in current times of fast traveling news via web and of course social media, bad news can't be hidden at all. Baywatch released in the West a week ago and soon enough word spread around very poor reviews, bad response from the audience and low collections. Still, one felt that when the film would release in India, situation may be a tad better due to the presence of Priyanka Chopra. Of course, word was also out that Priyanka had very less screen time in the film, but then, a fair share of audiences was expected to give it a chance.
Well, none of that happened as audiences showed no interest in the film. It did get a decent release in theatres and there were some paid previews too that took place on Thursday evening. However, there were no real collections to boast of and given the kind of media and audience response that has come in since yesterday; there is not even an iota of a chance for any turnaround. The film is a very major disappointment and this can be further gauged by the fact that the collections are less than one third of what Deepika Padukone's xXx: The Return of Xander Cage had collected in India. That film didn't do well too.
Comparatively, another Hollywood release Wonder Woman did better and that too with bare minimum promotion and push, or the presence of a known Hollywood star in India. The film did okay to go past the Rs. 2 crore mark on its first day.
All in all, a largely poor weekend for theatres in India.
