Backlash..but the appreciation pouring in from all quarters&all corners of the globe, v r just overjoyed. Thanks again on behalf of my team
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) July 14, 2015The 'backlash' that Rajamouli refers to could be the film's relative no-show in Kerala where it released in just 50 screens instead of the planned 200 after the state's Film Exhibitors' Federation objected on the grounds that it would harm the prospects of Malayalam-language film. Baahubali released globally in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi.
However, none of this has stopped Baahubali from gathering steam with box office receipts totaling up to about Rs 120 crores worldwide, with the Karan Johar-presented Hindi version contributing Rs 28. 3 crores.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted:
#Baahubali [dubbed Hindi version] is SUPER-STRONG on Mon. Fri 5.15 cr, Sat 7.09 cr, Sun 10.11 cr, Mon 6.10 cr. Total: Rs 28.45 cr. SUPERB!
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) July 14, 2015Baahubali, a two-part epic starring Prabhas and Rana Daggubatti, is heavy on VFX. Rajamouli also declared himself humbled by the fact that many celebs had good words for the first half of his magnum opus:
Lot of celebrities had very good words to say about #Baahubali. Need to go back in TL to thank them all..
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) July 14, 2015Here's what they said:
Bahubali-Epic Thoughts!Poetic Imagnatn!Strong Characterisatns!Super Heroism!Executd wit Stuning Visuals! Vowww! Cheers 2 Rajmouli n his team
— Shankar Shanmugham (@shankarshanmugh) July 14, 2015#Baahubali is not only an achievement for the South Indian film industry but for the indian film industry. Inspired and how
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) July 12, 2015#Baahubali is must watch. The dedication of every person involved in this film shows in each and every frame
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) July 12, 2015Indian cinema and Telugu cinema in particular have a treasure that will shine for generations to come in #Baahubali ...cant wait for part 2!
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) July 10, 2015The entire cast and crew of #Baahubali , your commitment and passion is the stuff of legend. God bless all of you! #Prabhas @RanaDaggubati
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) July 10, 2015This Movie/Music is Magic.. @ssrajamouli @mmkeeravaani @mmkeeravani @prabhasraju @RanaDaggubati n gang killed it https://t.co/MSyRWoTe4p
— Kailash Kher (@Kailashkher) July 13, 2015#Baahubali- an experience.Thank u @ssrajamouli sir & team for tis epic experience & taking Indian cinema to next level
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July 10, 2015Hats off to all d artists of #Baahubali for their dedication & hard work.Congrats @RanaDaggubati , @tamannaahspeaks
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July 10, 2015While the numbers thus far are encouraging, Baahubali has a while to go before it can claim to be in the green. The film may have managed to cross the Rs 100-crore barrier in a mere weekend but it needs to make at least three times that amount for it to break even, let alone post profits. Both parts of Baahubali have collectively been made on a budget of Rs 250 crores.
Theatre managers have revealed that people are buying tickets for the film in black and, as the show concludes, they want to see it again. One manager said they have sold tickets worth Rs 5000 for the 9 am shows, adding that "this has never happened before." He also said that the dubbed version of the film has done well in Mumbai . "All five shows are full and booked in advance. And I think it will have a full house for another two weeks. It will get affected by Bajrangi Bhaijaan's release (on July 17) for sure, but to collect this amount, I think this picture will do well," he added.
Baahubali - The Conclusion is slated for 2016 release.
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