Typically, films face a daunting challenge on the crucial first Monday following a successful opening weekend. However, Shaitaan appears poised to buck this trend and maintain its strong position, as indicated by advance booking trends.
The horror film, directed by Vikas Bahl, witnessed a significant decline in advance ticket sales on its fourth day, Monday, plummeting by nearly 70% from the previous day. Despite this decline, Shaitaan managed to surpass the performance of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 2 and the highly anticipated Fighter, despite experiencing a 70% drop in advance bookings on its first Monday compared to the previous Sunday.
Shaitaan made a noteworthy impact at the Indian box office, achieving an opening of 15.21 crore and a collection of 19.18 crore on the second day. The film’s impressive weekend earnings of over 50 crore exceeded initial expectations, especially considering its notable cast featuring R Madhavan and Jyothika, both familiar with the horror genre.
The film’s global success is equally remarkable, with Shaitaan making waves in Comscore’s global top 10 films in New Zealand and Australia, underscoring its widespread appeal and performance beyond Indian borders.
Shaitaan’s success defies conventional expectations, particularly given its strong performance in the international market. The film’s presence in Comscore’s global top 10 films in New Zealand and Australia underscores its resonance with audiences beyond India, solidifying its status as a compelling global cinematic phenomenon.
Notably, the lead stars’ familiarity with the horror genre has likely contributed to the film’s widespread appeal. Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika have all made significant contributions to the genre, with Ajay Devgn’s appearances in films like “Bhoot” and “Kaal,” R Madhavan headlining “13B,” and Jyothika portraying the Tamil version of Monjolika in the psychological horror flick “Chandramukhi.”
Shaitaan’s ability to maintain its momentum despite the challenges of the first Monday test is a testament to its captivating storytelling and audience engagement. The film’s exceptional performance at the box office, both domestically and internationally, reflects its ability to captivate and enthrall audiences, cementing its position as a remarkable success story in the world of horror cinema.