Last weekend, August 11-12, witnessed an extraordinary resurgence for Indian multiplexes and cinema halls, propelled by blockbuster films like ‘Gadar 2’, ‘Jailer’, ‘OMG 2’, and ‘Bhola Shankar’, catapulting the combined box office collection to a staggering Rs 390 crore.
The Indian cinema industry marked an unprecedented milestone in its century-old history, as the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) and Producers Guild of India (PGI) jointly declared this weekend to be a “new all-time theatrical gross box office record.” With over 2.10 crore moviegoers flocking to cinemas across the nation, it set a remarkable 10-year record for combined admissions.
Post the reopening after the Covid-induced hiatus, the weekend of August 11-13 emerged as the busiest single weekend, showcasing the industry’s remarkable resilience. PGI President Shibasish Sarkar expressed delight, stating, “The turnout at theaters has infused a new energy in our industry.”
MAI President Kamal Gianchandani termed this weekend “historic,” underscoring the enduring appeal of shared cinematic experiences. The momentum generated during this record-setting period is anticipated to sustain through 2023.
Having weathered the pandemic-induced financial crunch, the industry confronted operational challenges and restrictions, ultimately rebounding with a robust content lineup.
