As anticipation surged and buzz enveloped the cinephile community, Prabhas’ much-awaited action spectacle, Salaar Advance Booking, sparked a pre-release storm in the box office space. The film, slated for release in multiple languages, is expected to make an explosive entry, dwarfing the initial numbers of the concurrent release, Dunki.
The buzz around Salaar reached a crescendo as its Salaar Advance Booking soared to a staggering ₹48.94 crore. Sources predict the opening collections to surpass the ₹49-50 crore mark, painting a promising picture for the film’s debut. Despite reports of unequal screen space allocation in the face of Dunki‘s release, Salaar stands poised for an impressive opening on Friday.
According to reports from Sacnilk.com, the film recorded a whopping 22 lakh tickets sold for 16,593 shows, setting the stage for a blockbuster premiere. Telugu screenings accounted for a lion’s share, with around 17 lakh tickets valued at ₹38.25 crore. Meanwhile, Hindi and Tamil shows clocked in with 2 lakh tickets worth ₹5.62 crore and ₹1.9 crore, respectively.
However, controversy brewed in the backdrop of the film’s impending release. Concerns arose regarding Salaar receiving an unfair screen share compared to the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer, Dunki. Allegations surfaced regarding multiplex chains favoring Dunki over the Prabhas-starrer, prompting a decision by Hombale Films to boycott PVR INOX and Miraj Cinemas in the South. The production banner cited unfulfilled promises of “equal showcasing” for both films as the reason behind their exclusion.
Salaar, helmed by Prashanth Neel of KGF fame, spans various languages, captivating audiences in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film features Prabhas alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shruti Haasan in pivotal roles. Set against the backdrop of the fictional city of Khansaar, Salaar delves into the tale of Deva and Vardha, essayed by Prabhas and Sukumaran, respectively.
Speaking about the film’s essence, Prithviraj Sukumaran expressed his surprise, stating, “What drew me in was the drama. Despite all the spectacular fight sequences and huge sets, what pulls you in Salaar is the drama.”
With expectations soaring high and controversies adding fuel to the excitement, Salaar gears up to enthrall audiences with its larger-than-life narrative and gripping drama upon its much-anticipated release.