Mumbai, May 2, 2024 – Bollywood’s dry spell at the box office may finally be coming to an end. Ajay Devgn’s ‘Raid 2’, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit ‘Raid’, has stormed into theatres with an impressive opening day collection of ₹18 crore nett. The film, which released on Maharashtra Day/Labour Day, took full advantage of the holiday boost, setting the stage for what could be the first major Bollywood blockbuster of 2024.
A Much-Needed Hit for Bollywood
The Hindi film industry has been struggling this year, with multiple big-budget films underperforming. From ‘Fighter’ to ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, none have managed to cross the coveted ₹100 crore mark in their first week. ‘Raid 2’, however, seems poised to break that jinx.
Early trends suggest that the film could easily cross ₹65-70 crore in its opening weekend, putting it on track for a ₹100 crore+ lifetime haul. If it maintains momentum, it could become one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year so far.
Why ‘Raid 2’ is Working
- Franchise Power: The first ‘Raid’ (2018) was a sleeper hit, earning ₹101 crore and gaining a cult following. The sequel had built-in audience interest.
- Ajay Devgn’s Star Power: Known for his intense performances, Devgn’s portrayal of IRS officer Amay Patnaik has once again struck a chord.
- Holiday Release: The Maharashtra Day holiday gave the film an extra push, ensuring strong footfall in Mumbai and Pune.
- Word-of-Mouth: While critics were divided, audiences have responded positively, praising the film’s high-octane drama and gripping narrative.
Box Office Breakdown: Day 1 Collections
The film opened to ₹18 crore nett across India, with Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Gujarat leading the charge. The occupancy rates were particularly high in single-screen theatres, indicating strong mass appeal.
How It Compares to Other 2024 Releases
| Film | Opening Day | Final Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter | ₹22.5 cr | ₹200 cr (lifetime) |
| Bade Miyan Chote Miyan | ₹15.6 cr | ₹65 cr (lifetime) |
| Raid 2 | ₹18 cr | Expected ₹100 cr+ |
If ‘Raid 2’ sustains its pace, it could surpass ‘Fighter’ as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024.
Clash with ‘Kesari: Chapter 2’ & Nani’s ‘HIT 3’
While ‘Raid 2’ dominates the Hindi market, it faces competition from:
- ‘Kesari: Chapter 2’ (Hindi) – A moderate performer, but not a major threat.
- ‘HIT: The Third Case’ (Telugu) – Nani’s crime thriller opened to ₹18 crore in the South, but won’t cut into ‘Raid 2’s’ Hindi audience.
Trade analysts predict that ‘Raid 2’ will remain the first choice for North Indian audiences over the weekend.
What’s Next for ‘Raid 2’?
- Weekend Projections: Expected to rake in ₹65-70 crore by Sunday.
- Weekday Test: Monday (May 6) will be crucial—if it holds well, ₹100 crore is locked.
- Long-Term Prospects: With no major Bollywood release next week, ‘Raid 2’ could enjoy a strong second week.
Industry Reactions
Trade expert Taran Adarsh tweeted:
“#Raid2 takes a SOLID START… Holiday advantage + franchise power + Ajay Devgn’s star power = ₹18 cr Day 1. Expect BIG numbers over the weekend!”
Producer Bhushan Kumar (T-Series) said:
“Audiences were waiting for a solid entertainer, and ‘Raid 2’ delivers. This is the boost Bollywood needed.”
Final Verdict: Will ‘Raid 2’ Save Bollywood’s 2024?
After a disappointing start to the year, Bollywood desperately needed a hit. ‘Raid 2’ has not only opened well but also reignited hope for the industry. If it continues its strong run, it could pave the way for more successful releases in the coming months.
For now, all eyes are on Day 2 and Day 3 numbers—if they hold steady, Ajay Devgn might just have delivered Bollywood’s first true blockbuster of 2024.
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