I realized how nonsensical it was to troll Kangana Ranaut’s latest offering Thalaivi, for not delivering double-digit numbers at the box office – as is expected from films of this magnitude.
But a major factor that no mainstream outlet or analyst seems to be pointing out is the differing scenarios – of releases pre and post the pandemic.
Thalaivi – an ambitious project from Ranaut, has been roughly released at a domestic screen count of around 1200, and even in that it is operating at a 50% occupancy – considering the current Pandemic related guidelines. Which virtually means, that it is offering a capacity equaling nearly 600 screen counts.
Now with that, the film had an opening day collection of 1.20 crores in the domestic market, which was instantly labelled as ‘disappointing’, but people didn’t seem interested in doing the complete math.
Because with the theatrical capacity of, what we can consider – 600 screens across the country, the film has actually collected pretty well.
If a ratio of the first day gross collection is to be ascertained against a normal pre-Pandemic screen count of 4,600+ screens, the film’s 1.20 crores collection, would actually mean a collection of nearly 10 crores – in the domestic market alone. Giving it one of the biggest opening-day collection for a female led film.
But unfortunately, the high-octane project is released in unforeseen circumstances – and although while it was aimed at breaking paths, for female-led ventures, just like Ranaut’s previous mega-budget effort – Manikarnika, it hasn’t reflect those numbers to the simple minded reader – even through it may virtually amount to the same.
Following the same mathematical algorithm, the film’s first-weekend collection in comparison will what we may call ‘normal scenario’, will amount to the following:
| Present Collection | With Normal Screen Counts/Capacity | |
| Day 1 | 1.46 crores | 10.95 crores |
| Day 2 | 1.64 crores | 12.3 crores |
| Day 3 | 2.10 crores | 15.75 crores |
And that, without counting the international collection of the film – where it is doing equally well.
To make more sense of these unfathomable figures, the recently released Emran Hashmi and Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Chehre’ managed to collect approx 0.5 Crores on it’s first day, domestically. According to trade analysists, considering the present restrictions pertaining to the health-crisis, a 1+ crore collection would have been decent for the film.
And Thalaivi has clearly surpassed that expectation.
On top of all that, with lucrative deals the producers of the film have signed for it’s OTT release, the film’s Box office collection only serves as an icing on the cake – in an era where most big-banner films are finding themselves straight on to the streaming platforms. Thalaivi, despite everything against it’s favor in the current market scene, displayed the courage to land itself a theatrical release first – before venturing into OTT platforms. And that is commendable.
All that combined with the film’s satellite rights, which are yet to be acquired, the film – as I stated before will be a profitable venture.
It is unfortunate we did not see these pretty-looking big numbers due to the present health crisis, as that would have been great for every female in the game, but the film has at least managed to break the door – when it comes to inviting people back to the theater.
And that makes Thalaivi a clear winner, and also a commercial success – even with a limited release.