Registering a grand success at the box office, Teja Sajja’s Telugu superhero film “Hanuman” has set a box office record, becoming India’s first blockbuster of 2024. With an opening weekend collection of ₹40.65 crore, the film not only lived up to the expectations but also enthralled the audience and critics alike. This is why “Hanuman” surpasses the opening weekend collections of Yash’s KGF: Chapter 1 and Rishabh Shetty’s Kantara, and comes close to Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rise.
The journey of “Hanuman” was not always smooth. The film had a slow start and opened with ₹8 crore on the first day. However, the power of good storytelling and the positive buzz from the audience spread across the country and took “Hanuman” to greater heights. On Sunday, the film surprised everyone by earning a whopping ₹16 crore, even surpassing the much-awaited Mahesh Babu starrer “Guntur Karam”.
The impressive performance at the box office can be attributed to several factors. The film’s captivating narrative weaving themes of self-discovery and heroism with the rich mythology of Lord Hanuman resonated deeply with Indian audiences. Additionally, the stunning visual effects and action sequences directed by director Prashant Verma thrilled the audience.
Here’s the BIGGG SURPRISE… #HanuMan first *3-day* [opening weekend] total is HIGHER than #KGF [first part] and #Kantara, at par with #Pushpa [note: all #Hindi dubbed versions]… Yes, you read it right!#HanuMan emerges FIRST HIT OF 2024… Packs an impressive total in its… pic.twitter.com/OkzYxnmkmc
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 15, 2024
The possibilities of “Hanuman” are further strengthened by its linguistic reach. While the Telugu version topped the chart with a massive gross of ₹28.21 crore, the Hindi, and Kannada versions also made decent earnings. And further good response is expected from Hindi language. Trade analysts such as Taran Adarsh have hailed “Hanuman” as the “first hit of 2024”, praising its ability to woo not only mass audiences but also national cinema chains.
Hrithik Roshan’s “Fighter” is going to be released after the next 10 days on January 25, till then Hanuman will rule the box office uninterrupted. And will try to further strengthen its dominance at the box office.
Hindustan Times called “Hanuman” “a film that picks up pace when Hanumantu discovers his powers and has fun with this knowledge.” He further appreciated the heart of the film, “This story has this underdog who doesn’t realize his strength, just like Lord Hanuman.” The film’s portrayal of the brother-sister relationship also received praise, with the reviewer highlighting a “whistle-worthy moment” where Hanumanthu’s sister stands up for him.
Teja Sajja’s “Hanuman” has not only rewritten box office records but also redefined the landscape of Indian superhero cinema. Its success signals a shift towards greater acceptance and appreciation for domestic superhero narratives. With its engaging story, dazzling visuals and unwavering spirit, “Hanuman” has flown above expectations and managed to draw audiences to the theatres.