*Suriya's Kanguva* had an impressive opening day at the box office, grossing Rs 24 crore nett in India, setting high expectations for its weekend performance. However, the film experienced a dramatic drop in collections on its second day, with earnings plummeting to just Rs 9 crore. While a dip was anticipated as it transitioned from a festive release day to a working Friday, the nearly 50 percent decline from its opening day raised alarms for the filmmakers and trade analysts alike.
Directed by Siva, *Kanguva* features a high-profile cast, including Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani. Despite the star power and a significant marketing push, the film has received mixed reviews, with the most common criticism being its loud, overpowering music. The soundtrack, which was a key aspect of the film’s promotion, seems to have become a point of contention, leading some viewers to feel alienated or less inclined to revisit the theater after the opening day. The film’s tonal issues, coupled with a disjointed narrative, have likely contributed to its tepid reception, affecting its second-day box office performance.
The drop was especially pronounced in Tamil Nadu, the film's home state, and the Telugu states, where *Kanguva* was expected to perform strongly. According to Sacnilk, the film experienced a significant fall in Tamil Nadu, grossing only Rs 4-4.50 crore on its second day, a decrease of around 50 per cent. The Telugu states followed suit, with *Kanguva* earning between Rs 2.25 crore and Rs 2.50 crore, also showing a sharp decline in collections.Â
At the end of its second day, *Kanguva* had grossed Rs 39 crore domestically, with a nett collection of Rs 33 crore. This was far from what the makers had expected, given the massive investment in the film, the star power involved, and the extensive promotional campaigns. The film had been projected to cross the Rs 100 crore nett mark by the end of the first weekend, but this goal now seems increasingly uncertain.
In light of the drop in collections, producer GE Gnaneval Raja addressed the situation during a media interaction on November 15. He expressed confidence that the makers had already implemented corrective measures to address the feedback, particularly regarding the music and pacing of the film. The team hopes that these adjustments will help improve the film's appeal in the coming days.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there is still a chance for *Kanguva* to bounce back. However, the film will need a significant surge in ticket sales over Saturday and Sunday to stay on track and meet its financial targets. The response to the weekend shows will be crucial in determining whether *Kanguva* can recover from its early box office troubles or if it will struggle to find its footing in a competitive market.
While it is still too early to declare the film a flop, the significant drop in collections is concerning, particularly for a film with such high expectations. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how *Kanguva* performs over the weekend and whether the corrective measures taken by the filmmakers will result in a positive shift in its box-office trajectory. Ultimately, the fate of *Kanguva* will depend on its ability to capture the audience’s attention and sustain interest beyond the opening weekend.
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