Batwara 1947, starring Sunny Deol in the lead role, is set to arrive in theatres within hours, but the film has recorded a slow start in advance bookings. The movie features Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol and Abhimanyu Singh among others and is now relying heavily on audience response after its release.
The film has sold over 20,000 tickets across the two major national cinema chains, PVR Inox and Cinepolis, for its opening day. For a film with an established star cast and a story connected to an important historical period, the advance booking numbers are considered low.
With advance sales not showing strong momentum, the film’s opening day will depend largely on spot bookings and walk in audiences. If viewers respond positively after watching the film, the movie could see stronger ticket sales during the day and over the following weekend.
At present, Batwara 1947 is expected to record a single digit opening at the Indian box office. Early estimates place its first day collection in the range of Rs. 4 to 7 crore nett. The final figure will depend on occupancy, audience reactions and how much business the film generates from shows booked on the day itself.
The film is also facing competition from Awarapan 2, starring Emraan Hashmi. The sequel has reportedly recorded much stronger advance ticket sales, giving it an advantage ahead of the two films’ theatrical clash.
It remains to be seen whether Batwara 1947 can improve its position through positive word of mouth and compete with Awarapan 2 over the long run. Strong audience feedback could help the film gain more viewers during the weekend.
Backed by Aamir Khan Productions, Batwara 1947 also marks the reunion of Sunny Deol and filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi after a long gap. The two previously worked together on films such as Damini, Ghayal and Ghatak, which are remembered as important titles in Hindi cinema.
The new film has therefore attracted attention because of their reunion, but its box office performance will now depend on how audiences respond once it reaches theatres.
With only a few hours left before release, all eyes are on the opening day numbers and whether spot bookings can give Batwara 1947 a stronger start than its advance sales currently suggest.