Brahmastra breaks Bollywood's box office dry spell, Mints Rs 175 cr in first weekend

Mumbai: After a long line of Bollywood films failing at the box office, the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-starrer Brahmastra: Part 1 - Shiva has broken the dry spell. The urban fantasy films made Rs 175 cr globally in their first weekend.

According to trade media, the film has minted Rs 125 cr domestically - Rs 37 cr on the opening day, Rs 42 cr on the second day, and Rs 46 cr on Sunday. The global success of the film has been impressive with Rs 49 cr - $3.55 million in North America and $1.125 million in the Middle East.

Ayan Mukherji's ambitious film has been in the works for five years. The fantasy action-adventure film is the first instalment of a planned trilogy which is expected to be part of a cinematic universe called Astraverse. Mukherji said that he is dreaming of building something similar to MCU.

The plot revolves around Shiva, a DJ who is connected to fire which does not hurt him. The story follows a secret society for sages and the queen of darkness. And bad guys trying to possess mythical weapons fuel the film further.

Brahmastra is expected to perform till the end of the month as there is no major film slated till September 30. Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan-starrer Vikram Vedha will hit the screen then.

Many critics have praised the film's visual effects and its roots in Indian mythology. However, the story revolving around lovers, flaky writing, and hype over Indian mythology not delivering has been criticised. Some critics said the story lacks momentum and intrigue and genuine joy. Edelweiss's report says strong marketing, VFX, pent-up demand, lower expectations due to weak reviews, and a strong star cast worked in the favour of the film.