Despite boasting the superstar power of Rajinikanth, the sports drama “Lal Salaam” continues to underperform at the Indian box office. On its fifth day, the film managed to garner a mere ₹1.16 crore nett, showcasing a concerning downward trend that raises questions about its long-term prospects.
Slow Burn or Box Office Flop?
Opening on February 9th, “Lal Salaam” started with a decent ₹3.55 crore nett on its first day. However, the excitement quickly faded, with subsequent days witnessing a steady decline. Saturday brought in ₹3.25 crore nett, followed by a flat Sunday at ₹3.15 crore nett. The first Monday proved particularly harsh, with collections dropping to ₹1.24 crore nett. This meager fifth-day performance, totaling ₹11.16 crore nett in India, paints a worrying picture for the film’s future.
Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s Directorial Debut Faces Scrutiny
Directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth in her second outing behind the camera, “Lal Salaam” stars Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in lead roles, portraying childhood rivals united by their passion for cricket. Rajinikanth himself makes an extended cameo as Moideen Bhai, a Muslim leader.
While the film received some praise for its portrayal of social themes and Rajinikanth’s impactful dialogues, critics primarily noted its predictable plot and lack of originality. This, coupled with its underwhelming box office performance, has led some to question whether the Rajinikanth factor alone can salvage the film.
A Look Behind the Numbers
Several factors might be contributing to “Lal Salaam”‘s underwhelming performance. The postponement from its initial Pongal release date could have impacted pre-release buzz. Additionally, the film faces stiff competition from established Bollywood releases like “Fighter” and Hollywood offerings like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”.
What Lies Ahead?
With a total collection of ₹12.35 crore nett after five days, “Lal Salaam” needs a significant turnaround to be considered a success. It remains to be seen if positive word-of-mouth or renewed marketing efforts can propel the film’s performance in the coming weeks.
Read more.. Marketing News, Advertising News, PR and Finance News, Digital News.
