- Kalki 2898 AD sets significant box office records but struggles to surpass Baahubali 2 in North America.
- The film has grossed over $18 million in North America but remains $2 million short of Baahubali 2’s record.
- Kalki 2898 AD’s box office momentum slows down, securing its position as the second highest-grossing Indian film in North America.
Can Kalki 2898 AD Surpass Baahubali 2 in North America?
Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi epic, Kalki 2898 AD, featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone, has been a box office sensation since its release. While the film has achieved remarkable success in various markets, including North America, it appears unlikely to break the record set by SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion as the highest-grossing Indian film in the region.
In its first month, Kalki 2898 AD has grossed over $18 million in North America, making it the highest-grossing foreign film of the year in the region. Despite its strong start and impressive performance, it trails behind Baahubali 2, which grossed $20.77 million. Initially, it seemed plausible that Kalki 2898 AD could surpass Baahubali 2, given its robust performance during the first two weeks. However, as the film entered its third and fourth weeks, its momentum slowed significantly.
By the end of 33 days, Kalki 2898 AD’s earnings in North America had reached $18.48 million. On its 33rd day, the film added only about $7,500 to its total. With this deceleration, it seems unlikely that Kalki 2898 AD will close the $2 million gap to overtake Baahubali 2. Instead, it is poised to secure the second spot among the highest-grossing Indian films in North America.
What Contributed to Kalki 2898 AD’s Success?
Kalki 2898 AD’s success can be attributed to several factors. The film’s star-studded cast, intriguing storyline, and high production values drew significant attention from audiences. Additionally, its release in a major market like North America, which has a substantial fanbase for Telugu films, contributed to its impressive box office performance.
The film’s achievement is notable, as it has outperformed other major releases such as Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and Jawan, Jr NTR and Ram Charan’s RRR, and Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal. Despite these accomplishments, Baahubali 2’s record remains a tough benchmark to beat.
What’s Next for Kalki 2898 AD?
The next significant challenger for Kalki 2898 AD in North America will be Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s Stree 2, set to release on August 15. Interestingly, the same distributor who handled Kalki 2898 AD will release Stree 2 in North America, indicating strong backing and distribution strategies.
Conclusion
While Kalki 2898 AD has set numerous records and achieved considerable success in North America, it is unlikely to surpass Baahubali 2 as the highest-grossing Indian film in the region. The film’s strong start was not enough to maintain the momentum needed to bridge the $2 million gap. Nonetheless, Kalki 2898 AD’s performance highlights the increasing global appeal of Indian cinema and sets a high bar for future releases.
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