Rajkummar Rao’s latest film, “Maalik,” is struggling significantly at the box office, raising questions about audience preferences and the future of big-screen adaptations.
“Maalik” Struggles to Connect
Rajkummar Rao’s new crime saga, “Maalik,” has faced a tough reception since its release. The film continues to underperform, failing to attract substantial audiences despite being in cinemas for almost a week.
Industry reports from Sacnilk indicate that “Maalik” earned approximately Rs 1.6 crore on its sixth day, Wednesday. This brings its total India net collection to a mere Rs 19.7 crore.
With a reported budget of Rs 55 crore, “Maalik” has not even recovered half of its production cost. Sustaining any significant growth on its seventh day seems highly improbable, signalling a considerable financial loss for the makers.
Low Occupancy Across Key Markets
The film’s struggle is further highlighted by its dismal occupancy rates. On its sixth day, “Maalik” recorded an overall occupancy of just 9.83% across the country.
Throughout the day, occupancy remained minimal, starting at 5.45% for morning shows and peaking slightly at 13.68% during night shows. This slow growth indicates a lack of audience enthusiasm.
Even major urban centers showed lukewarm interest. Delhi-NCR, a crucial market, registered only 10% occupancy. Mumbai performed slightly better at 14%, while Jaipur emerged as a relative bright spot with 18.25% occupancy.
A Warning for “Mirzapur” and Beyond?
The underwhelming performance of “Maalik” could be a significant indicator for upcoming projects, especially those looking to transition from popular digital platforms to the big screen. The highly anticipated “Mirzapur” film, for instance, might need to carefully consider its theatrical strategy.
Audiences today are increasingly selective about what they choose to watch in cinemas. The failure of a star-led film like “Maalik” suggests that star power alone might not guarantee box office success, particularly for genres that are already popular on streaming platforms.
This trend highlights a broader shift in viewer habits. Content that thrives on OTT might not automatically translate into a theatrical hit, as viewers expect a premium, distinct experience for cinema tickets.
Key Takeaways:
- “Maalik” has collected only Rs 19.7 crore against a Rs 55 crore budget in six days.
- Occupancy rates remained critically low, averaging less than 10% on day six.
- The film’s failure underscores the challenges for theatrical releases, potentially impacting projects like “Mirzapur the film.”
- Audiences are highly selective, favoring unique cinematic experiences over content easily accessible on streaming.
The outcome of “Maalik” serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, urging filmmakers to reassess strategies for big-screen ventures.
