As Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter is all set to release on January 25, we spoke to trade experts to find out what are their views on the film and their opening day predictions.
When asked to predict day 1 numbers, trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “Fighter will open at Rs. 35 crores plus as it’s a non-holiday and also, it’s not the usual masala film.” Raj Bansal, the owner of Entertainment Paradise in Jaipur and a distributor in North India predicted, “I expect Fighter to open between Rs. 36 and Rs. 38 crores, which is very good.”
Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst exulted, “As it’s being released on a non-holiday, hence, Fighter should open at Rs. 30 crores.” Trade analyst Atul Mohan said, “Fighter will open at around Rs. 25 crores.” Vishek Chauhan, the owner of Roopbani cinema in Purnia, Bihar, meanwhile, replied, “Fighter will open at Rs. 25-30 crores. It can jump to Rs. 40-50 crores on the second day if reports are positive. After all, the film stars such massive names.”
Even the other trade experts like Taran Adarsh and Girish Johar believed that Fighter can cross the Rs. 50 crore mark on the second day.
All of them were of the opinion that if content is accepted, then Fighter could be Hrithik Roshan’s first Rs. 400 crores grosser flick. Taran Adarsh said with a lot of hope, “Fingers crossed. Hrithik is a dynamic actor. He has proved its versatility. Siddharth Anand’s last two films did huge business.” Raj Bansal, the owner of Entertainment Paradise in Jaipur and a distributor in North India disagreed as he said, “It could be a Rs. 300 crores grosser.”
Impact of 3D IMAX formats
Many Hindi biggies in recent times have been released in the IMAX format like Pathaan, Jawan, Animal etc. Fighter is no exception and moreover, it also has a 3D version. When asked whether that would benefit, Taran Adarsh answered, “It has its advantages. As far as IMAX is concerned, it’s a big-screen entertainer (and hence, it works well for the film). But as far as 3D is concerned, we need to see the film to ascertain whether it warrants a 3D version. In the past, certain films didn’t require a 3D version and yet, were converted into 3D. Hence, let’s wait. In case of Fighter, if they have taken the decision to release it in 3D, they must have thought about it.”
Vishek Chauhan agreed saying, “Audience prefers 3D. If I play a show in 3D and also in 2D, 70% of the audience would prefer the former. Also, 3D means more money and hence, even exhibitors prefer the format.”
Atul Mohan disagreed, “I don’t think it benefits much as a lot will people are not comfortable with the format as it strains their eyes.”
Girish Johar noted, “It’s more of a premium format offering. It appeals more in the top 10 cities. In tier 2 and 3 cities, I doubt 3D version will release widely. Even if it does, the impact might not be huge due to the lack of maintenance. Again, it all depends on the film. If the youth and kids love it, then it can benefit the film by 10%.”
Raj Bansal opined, “The only 3D Hindi film which had an added advantage was Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020). Otherwise, 3D doesn’t help most of the Hindi films. People prefer 2D mostly. With 3D, one tends to drift from the main story.”
