With the release of Kalki 2898 AD this week, Manoj Desai, the owner of Gaiety-Galaxy and Maratha Mandir Movie Theaters in Mumbai has claimed that the distributors are refusing to let him begin advance bookings for the movie.
"Bookings for just 3D shows are permitted. There are just two days remaining, and bookings are still not being allowed. Just because the theaters' ticket prices are cheap, distributors want to profit more from multiplexes," Desai said.
According to Desai, this issue occurred with Prabhas' other movies as well, after which he discussed the issue with his close associate.
"Single-screen exhibitors have had a tough 2024 so far. They are hopeful that things will improve under Kalki 2898 AD," said Desai with the hope the issue will get resolved soon.
29,500 tickets had been sold by Kalki 2898 AD at the biggest national chains, PVR INOX and Cinepolis till June 24. About 22,300 tickets were sold by PVR INOX, whereas Cinepolis sold around 7,200 tickets.
AA Films of Anil Thadani is releasing Kalki in North India with a target of 3500 screens including 3250 in Hindi on June 27. The bookings for the Hindi edition went live on June 22, and the reaction was stronger than anticipated.
Kalki might surprise everyone at the movie office in Hindi markets if this trend keeps up. In less than 12 hours, Sanjay Cineplex in Bihar sold over 300 tickets, indicating a high level of interest in the movie.
The India World Cup semi-final match with England on June 27 might impact the number of evening and night shows. Positive reviews, meanwhile, might still help the movie come very close to crossing the ₹25 crore mark.
Although it is early, there is hope that the momentum will build on Tuesday and Wednesday to reach the anticipated figures. With a weekend coming up and a two-week run at the box office, Kalki in Hindi would benefit from any start around the ₹20 crore mark.
