Mumbai, March 17 - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's mega-blockbuster
Pathaan has set new box office benchmarks to cross for the upcoming films. Siddharth Anand's directorial has created history by becoming the highest-grossing film in the Hindi language, beating SS Rajamouli's epic Baahubali 2.
Before crossing the lifetime Hindi collection of Baahubali 2, Pathaan also broke the initial records by a huge margin. Among the many records, the spy actioner scored the biggest opening day in Hindi with 55 crores net, beating KGF: Chapter 2's 53.95 crores net.
Pathaan, however, wasn't the film that was supposed to take the biggest opening as there are far more hyped titles lined up this year that were expected to challenge KGF 2. Now that Pathaan has achieved the almost unthinkable, it won't be easy for the upcoming films to beat it. However, records are meant to be broken and there are films this year that might break the opening day record of Pathaan.
Pushpa - The Rule (TBA)
Possibly the biggest contender to beat Pathaan, this Allu Arjun-fronted action thriller will be eyeing historical numbers at the Hindi box office. The second part of the blockbuster Pushpa - The Rise, is already on the must-watch list of Hindi moviegoers though the release date is yet not confirmed (might release in 2024). A massive opening is almost guaranteed for Pushpa 2 in Hindi, however, whether it can beat Pathaan is something that remains to see.
Jawan (June 2)
Before Pushpa 2 arrives, it is Jawan which might topple Pathaan as the biggest opener ever in Hindi. Interestingly, Jawan was Shah Rukh Khan's most hyped film in all possible ways before Pathaan hit the bull's eye. The combination of SRK and director Atlee has been making headlines ever since the movie was announced, and the industry is already buzzing and hoping for Pathaan-like phenomena with Jawan as well. In all probability, we might see SRK topping SRK at the box office again.
Tiger 3 (Diwali)
Yash Raj Films couldn't have asked for a bigger film than Tiger 3 after scripting history with Pathaan. Featuring India's one of biggest superstars, Salman Khan, Tiger 3 is a part of YRF's ambitious Spy Universe. It was/is YRF's biggest film, so one can hope it to post bigger results than Pathaan, at least, initially. Tiger 3, however, might not get the luxury of the last-minute hype, something which Pathaan was able to get due to the controversy. It is the only thing that might become a hurdle for Salma-fronted to post a bigger opening than Pathaan.
Adipurush (June 16)
Based on the epic Ramayana, Adipurush starring Prabhas received criticism when its teaser was launched last year. The movie was supposed to release in January, but the unexpected reactions to the teaser forced the makers to postpone the release to bring better output. Irrespective of the response so far, Adipurush remains one of the most anticipated movies of the year, thanks to its subject which is loved by Indians. Only because of its subject, Adipurush might have a shot at challenging Pathaan's opening.
Salaar (September 28)
After KGF 2, Prashanth Neel put himself in the elite league of top filmmakers in the country. There is a genuine curiosity among moviegoers, especially the Hindi audiences, regarding his next film, Salaar, which stars Prabhas in the title role. It is produced by Hombale Films which has gained respect across the country by delivering blockbusters like KGF films and Kantara. Salaar might not look like a potential contender to beat Pathaan's opening, but it is carrying a very good buzz, and the combination of Prabhas and Prashanth Neel might throw a surprise.
Films with an outside chance to come close or beat Pathaan's opening day record in Hindi -
Dunki (if arrives solo) - The first-time combination of Shah Rukh Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani might throw a surprise if it gets a solo release. It is as of now pitched against Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff's Bade Miyan Chote Miyan on the same weekend on Christmas.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (if arrives solo) - BMCM might open bigger than Dunki if both movies clash at the box office. It is easily the most-awaited movie of Akshay this year and as of now, looks like a big opener.
Any other film you think can challenge Pathaan's opening, then do share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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