"Animal" Box Office Buzz: Ranbir Kapoor's Big Opening Anticipation

Summary: Animal gears up for a potential Rs 50 crore opening, testing Ranbir Kapoor's comeback and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's bold filmmaking. Release on Dec 1

Fans are getting more and more excited about the premiere of Ranbir Kapoor's newest movie, "Animal." Released earlier this week, the teaser charmed viewers with a peek of the romantic crime drama starring Rashmika Mandanna and helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

The team is quite proud of the 'A' rating the movie received from the Central Board of Film Certification. Vanga, known for the controversial "Arjun Reddy" and its Hindi version "Kabir Singh," seems unapologetic about pushing boundaries, evident in the film's extended runtime of nearly three-and-a-half hours.

Vanga remained steadfast, refusing to compromise on the runtime, even after an initial cut that stretched to almost four hours. The commercial impact of lengthy films is well-known, with fewer daily screenings due to time constraints, a challenge further amplified for 'A'-rated movies. "Animal" not only serves as a litmus test for Vanga's bold approach but also for Ranbir Kapoor, who is navigating a varied trajectory since "Sanju" on his way back to the A-list.

Read: Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ Set for Its Largest US Release Ever- Exclusive Details

Advance bookings for "Animal" kick off in India on Sunday, November 26, creating anticipation for what could be Kapoor's most significant opening, predicted to touch Rs 50 crore on the first day, as per industry tracker Sacnilk. In the US, early signs indicate modest interest, with only 3,200 tickets sold for 206 locations, but it's too soon to draw conclusions. Comparisons are drawn to Kapoor's previous releases, with "Sanju" raking in Rs 34 crore on day one in 2018 and ultimately earning close to Rs 350 crore in India.

"Animal" faces the box office challenge with its extended runtime and adult rating, marking a pivotal moment for Kapoor's comeback. Scheduled for release on December 1, the film's performance will gauge its impact, especially considering Kapoor's recent releases like "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar" and "Brahmastra," which earned Rs 15 crore and Rs 36 crore on day one, respectively.

Vanga's "Kabir Singh," with a Rs 20 crore opening, went on to become Shahid Kapoor's biggest solo hit, reaching almost Rs 280 crore in India. Rashmika's transition to Hindi cinema has been relatively subdued, featuring in projects like "Goodbye" and the streaming film "Mission Majnu." As fans eagerly await the theatrical release of "Animal," all eyes are on the box office to witness the impact of this intense revenge saga.