Kangana Ranaut’s directorial venture, “Emergency,” a film depicting the tumultuous period of the Indian Emergency, has completed its first week in theaters. Despite generating considerable buzz and anticipation pre-release, the film has faced challenges at the box office. While it opened decently, the collections have witnessed a declining trend during the weekdays. However, it’s noteworthy that “Emergency” has managed to outperform Ranaut’s previous film, “Thalaivi,” in terms of box office numbers.
Day-wise Box Office Performance
“Emergency” hit the screens on January 17th and garnered ₹2.5 crore on its opening day. The collections witnessed growth over the weekend, with ₹3.6 crore on Saturday and ₹4.25 crore on Sunday. However, the weekdays saw a significant drop, with Monday earning ₹1.05 crore, Tuesday ₹1 crore, and Wednesday (early estimates) around ₹0.85 crore. This brings the film’s total domestic box office collection to approximately ₹13.25 crore in six days.
Comparison with “Thalaivi”
Despite the declining trend, “Emergency” has fared better than “Thalaivi,” Ranaut’s biopic on the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. “Thalaivi” had a first-day collection of ₹1.46 crore and a lifetime collection of ₹7.28 crore in India. “Emergency” has already surpassed “Thalaivi’s” lifetime collection within its first week.
Factors Affecting Box Office Performance
Several factors have contributed to the film’s performance at the box office. The weekdays generally see lower footfalls in theaters compared to weekends. Additionally, the film has faced controversies and protests, with calls for a ban in certain regions, which has likely affected its overall business. The film’s release coinciding with other films like “Azaad” and “Game Changer” has also intensified the competition for audience attention.
Controversies and Challenges
“Emergency” has been embroiled in controversies since its announcement. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) demanded a ban on the film in several parts of Punjab, alleging misrepresentation of facts. This led to protests and disruptions at some screenings. Ranaut has defended her film and expressed disappointment over the protests.
Critical Reception
“Emergency” has received mixed reviews from critics. While some have praised Ranaut’s performance and direction, others have criticized the film’s narrative and execution. The film’s portrayal of the Emergency era has also sparked debates and discussions.
Overall Performance and Future Prospects
“Emergency” has had a decent opening but has struggled to maintain momentum during the weekdays. While it has outperformed “Thalaivi,” its overall box office performance is yet to be seen. The film’s future prospects will depend on its ability to sustain audience interest in the coming days and weeks.
Note: The box office numbers mentioned here are based on early estimates and reports from various sources. The final figures may vary.
