Baahubali 2 Day 1: Rajamouli's epic to witness record-breaking box office collections

Baahubali 2 Day 1: Rajamouli's epic to witness record-breaking box office collections

Baahubali 2 has got this summer’s best release date – 28 April. It is a four day weekend with Monday, 1 May being a national holiday.

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Baahubali 2 Day 1: Rajamouli's epic to witness record-breaking box office collections

For those of you who’re just joining us, here’s a quick recap: 

SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (also spelt as Bahubali) opened across theatres in India and the world on Friday, 28 April 2017. A few previews were held on Thursday evening in select cities as well. 

The film — which continues the story Rajamouli charted in 2015’s Baahubali: The Beginning — seems to have met the massive fan expectations that had built up around it. 

After seeing phenomenal advance bookings, opeining day for Baahubali 2 did have a few glitches: 

For one, early morning shows in Tamil Nadu (especially in the Chennai area) were called off, leavings hundreds of fans disgruntled, as the local distributor had not settled his dues with Arka Media — the producers of Baahubali. Shows only commenced closer to noon. How this will affect the day 1 box office collections from TNB at this point is not known. 

In Kerala too, there were issues with some multiplexes not starting their screenings till they had settled terms with the distributor in the state.

Meanwhile, there were reports of minor setbacks in other locations — the wrong language version of the film (Hindi instead pof Telugu) being played at a Bengaluru theatre, and also the movie being exhibited in inverse order (second half screened before the first). In both instances, the audiences called out theatre management for the mistake, and requested re-screenings.

At the moment, shows are progressing smoothly across India and overseas, and trade experts are already predicting record-breaking collections for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. 

The question now is — will it cross the rather intimidating seeming number of Rs 1000 crore? 

As Baahubali 2 mania sweeps the country, the answer, overwhelmingly, seems to be — yes.

On that happy note, we’ve come to the end of our day 1 updates of the epic release of Baahubali 2. 

Stay tuned for opinion pieces, columns and box office reports of the film. 

We will see you tomorrow with more updates on Rajamouli’s epic saga, and we promise, we still won’t reveal why Katappa killed Baahubali. 

Here’s some interesting news. Shares of multiplex operators Mukta Arts and PVR have risen by 9% this friday with the release of Baahubali 2, reports Economic Times . #BaahubaliMania

Film writer Hemanth Kumar says in his piece that the Indian film industry can learn a thing or two from the Baahubali series. Read his piece here .

“While it remains to be seen how well the film does in terms of numbers, here are five lessons that Indian film industry could learn from Bahubali 2’s success.”

His reasons include the famed #WKKB cliffhanger, credibility and hype that has to be earned not created and telling universal stories. 

For those of you who are interested in the costumes and the beautiful-looking jewelry that Anushka Shetty’s character adorns in Baahubali 2, News 18 has all the lowdown. 

“Amrapali, the official jewellery designer for the second film in Baahubali franchise, completed this mammoth task in a short span of time and sent approximately 1500 pieces to the film’s team. Earrings – from traditional jhumkas to danglings, heavy necklaces, nose rings, bangles, rings, armlets and conventional maang-tikkas – all pieces have been specifically designed in tandem with the maker’s vision.”

And as we look back on the Baahubalia mania that has swept the country, this is a good time to revisit the words of producer Shobu Yarlagadda: 

Meanwhile, here’s a pithy tweet that aptly sums up the level of Baahubali 2 mania, and the kind of phenomenal box office opening it seems — as per first impressions — to have garnered: 

And while we’re waiting for more news to come in from across India, why don’t you share your feedback with us? Did you think Baahubali2: The Conclusion has matched up to the pre-release hype? Did you prefer the original — Baahubali: The Beginning? And if yes, why? 

Take our Twitter poll, and tell us what you think! 

Baahubali 1 and 2 have changed Indian cinema and Rajamouli has shown the world what Indian filmmakers can do.

Director SS Rajamouli has created a magnum opus that is visually Mind blowing, has strong content and is commercially successful. Baahubali 2 will be difficult to replicate.

Disclaimer: I will definitely be watching the film a second time. #BaahubaliMania

Truly no filmmaker in India has the passion, dedication and vision as Rajamouli does.

Meanwhile in Australia…

Some of the fans have compared the film to Hollywood movies.

The Telangana government has allowed five shows of the film to be screened following a request from the producers.

The fans of Prabhas, who plays the lead role of Baahubali, put up huge cut outs of the popular star to celebrate the release of the film.

The social media is also buzzing with the heaps of praise with many offering the answer to the quintessential question, which has now become a national obsession– ‘Why Kattappa killed Baahubali?’  
 

Hyderabad: Director S S Rajamouli’s magum opus Baahubali 2: The Conclusion opened to a rousing reception in Telangana’s cinema halls.

As the craze for the film reached a crescendo in the run up to its release, the fans queued up outside the theatres right from the early hours today.

“I came at 5 AM. I got a ticket for the second show (that begins in the night). I wanted a ticket for matinee or first show. But I am happy that I got a ticket,” Anusha, a college student, said in Kukatpally area here.

Those who have so far watched the film in the early morning shows, have applauded the movie for its content and the extensive visual effects.

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It’s important to remember what’s important. 🙂

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Point to be remembered: The background score for the film is on par with some of the best Hollywood films

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The theatre is silent as everyone is immersed in the film and story. Kattappa (Sathyaraj) plays a key role in Baahubali 2. Lots of whistles and claps when Prabha’s fights the villains

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Speaking of blockbusters, Ramya Krishnan has immense screen presence. 

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Anushka Shetty looks gorgeous in the film – her outfits, jewellery and styling is excellent.

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Twitterati on finding out the movie ticket prices of Baahubali in Bengaluru, AP and Telangana.

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Baahubali 2 show in Chennair starts to hoots, whistles, claps and cheering for 5 minutes straight.

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Annnd a trade analyst has spoken. 

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At Luxe cinemas in Chennai, the IMAX show in the first half was Telugu, but they started to play the second half in Hindi. Then they realised the mistake and played Telugu once again. #BaahubaliMania ?

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Three fans of the film tell Firstpost why they are eager to see the film.

http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/baahubali-2-the-conclusion-3410590.html/embed

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Yesterday at PVR in Bangalore they played second half first. Audience realised it only during climax. Fans forced them to play entire film all over again. 

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Baahubali mania in Tamil Nadu begins. I;m getting in to watch the film at Sathyam cinemas, Chennai, starting at 11.15.

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At Palazzo at Vijaya Forum Mall in Chennai, the first show of Baahubali 2 is about to start at 11 15 am. Crowds have gathered and excitement is palpable.

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Times of India has reported that tickets in AP, Telangana has soared up till Rs 3000-4000. Queues are still super long despite the heat.

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The crowds coming for shows later in the day are asking the ones who saw the morning show why Kattappa killer Baahubali. 
Although, nobody seems to reveal it.

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Check out our Facebook Live from Hyderabad. First impression right after watching Baahubali 2.

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Despite issues with Kerela screenings, trade sources say Baahubali 2 has had a phenomenal opening response in theatres there: 

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Check out our Facebook Live from Hyderabad. First impression right after watching Baahubali 2.

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Movie is over but nobody wants to leave the theatres. Whistles are still on, needless to say. 

Final thoughts? Baahubali 2 is filmmaking at its fines. Rajamouli, the audience would definitely want to give you a standing ovation. Well done.

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Meanwhile, in Kerala, Baahubali 2 shows started across as early as 5.30 am. But none of the national multiplexes are screening it due to a problem over terms.                        
The Kerala multiplexes will join once they agree to local distributor terms.

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Balladeva’s beast mode is on. Eagerly waiting for the final sequence to unfold. Rana’s suddenly got everyone’s attention with just one scene.

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Exquisite VFX, which might seem a little out of the world, take your breath away. Baahubali 2 is all about the visuals, right from the beginning till the (now unwinding) end.

I can already say, Baahubali: The Conclusion is the package we needed. It is an ’entertainer’ we thoroughly will enjoy. We celebrate when the good is wining and we have equal despair when evil triumphs. And I think that’s where Rajamouli takes the cake away.

Meanwhile, In Bangalore early morning shows have taken a flying start. Ticket rates at multiplex’ and single screens hover between Rs 500 and 1200. The Karnataka government order putting a cap on ticket rate has not been issued so far

Back to Hyderabad. Perhaps the most important question on everyone’s mind would be a comparison between Baahubal: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion. Which one is better?

Baahubali the conclusion is insanely better than the first. More drama, action and some thrilling performances. The movie is not done yet, but I can’t help but say this. Rajamouli has nailed it. He has kept the audience engaged till the very end. In every scene and part of the story.

Shows planned for as early as 4 am on Friday in the Chennai suburbs of Tambaram (Vidya Theatre), Poonamalee Sundar and Porur GK had been cancelled. Huge crowds which had gathered early in the morning to catch the fist screenings of Baahubali 2, had to go back disappointed. Early morning show ticket rates were being sold at Rs 500, to take advantage of the FDFS (first day first show) craze.

Meanwhile the Tamil Nadu distributor of the film Raja Rajan is in Hyderabad, trying to sort the issue out. As per trade sources, he is waiting for banks to start their business day, after which he hpes to get some funds from his overseas partners and settle the issue. Rajan had initially also got the overseas rights of Baahubali 2.

In Tamil Nadu, however, there is seething rage among fans and theatre owners. It is not the first time a big film release has run into trouble, but Rajan’s handling of he situation has caused a huge loss to the trade. The first day collections are going to be badly affected with a large number of shows getting cancelled.

Follow updates through the day here: http://bit.ly/2ps609c

Aside: Check out Hemanth Kumar’s movie review of Baahubali 2 (completely spoiler free), as we bring you live updates from FDFS. 

This kind of movie craze has existed before in Tamil Nadu only for Superstar Rajinikanth films. Today it’s all for Rajamouli’s Baahubali

Mahendra Baahubali is here and the movie is almost nearing the end, but the claps? Never ending.

We are still hooting. Move over ‘Neruppa Da’.

What’s sad is, Rana Dagubatti has no one rooting for him. That’s how much Prabhas as Baahubali has impressed the audience.

Meanwhile from Maharashtra.

And there we go, ‘Why did Baahubali kill Katapa’. That moment is here.                        
No spoilers though, we are not giving it away. The audience is shocked and in silence                        
There is so much tension in the air. We feel like we are in there with the characters.

Post interval:

Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali gets the whole theatre into a eerie silence. Some small squeaks go out in the crowd as the plot twist is revealed.

Breaking: First shows in Tamil Nadu to start at 11 30 am

Counter-view:

Baahubali and Devasenah are the perfect combination                        

And the audience are loving them.

Meanwhile shows for Baahubali 2 stand cancelled throughout Tamil Nadu, and not just Chennai. TN buyer K Production has defaulted in his payments to Arka Media, the producers of the film.

Hectic negotiations are taking place in Hyderabad but I think settlement will come only by noon

There are multiple entries for Prabhas in Baahubali 2 and the thing is, every time they’re hooting like they did the first time.

If you though Sivagami was the Wonder Woman of the film, then wait for it.

Devasenah takes over perfectly.

People are yelling dialogues inside washrooms here.

Baahubali in the first half is very much like South Indian entertainers, leaving the audience clapping, hooting for punch lines, and mesmerised with the action sequences and plot twists. Never have we been so spell bound. Thank you Rajamouli.

Back in Tamil Nadu, fans are disappointed and upset due to non-release of Baahubali 2. 

Many have been at Theaters since 6 30 am for the 8 am show

If there was one word to describe the feeling of watching Baahubali 2 FDFS it would be: crazy. 

People are going nuts, both on screen and in the audience. Fans can’t stop rooting for Prabhas in the audience and don’t mind the portrayal of this larger than life hero.

The first half is not even over and we have a sore throat from all the screaming.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Arka Mediaworks has issued the letter Qube saying don’t release the KDM as money has not been settled. 5 am and 8 am shows cancelled. People are now waiting for 11 am shows.

Prabhas has a major role to play but when the audience whistles for a scene in which just the story is unfolding, we get the message.  Films > actor.                      
The background is gripping and keeps us hooked to the film. But the songs disappoint a bit.

As a kid, I remember the last time people screamed throughout a Telugu film. It was Chiranjeevi’s. But that was just appreciation for the actor and mega-star he is.

Decibel level 100. 

Crowds are screaming. 
So are we. 

Action sequences in the film know no bound to excitement.

More papers fly on the screen in appreciation of the subtle chemistry between Anushka and Prabhas                        
For a while the audience seem to forget the whole ‘Why did Katapa kill Baahubali’ factor                        
We are now too immersed into the love story unfolding on screen.                        
                                    
The slow mo action sequences have begun and people can’t stop screaming their lungs out                        
The movie has everyone glued to every scene.                        
It’s unbelievable how Prabhas has established this larger than life persona                        
There are Rajinkanth movies and then there are well, Rajamouli’s.

Back to Hyderabad, and back to Baahubali 2. 

Regarding why shows in Tamil Nadu are facing a halt in being screened. 

As our correspondents and critics watch the film, let’s see what Twitter is saying about Baahubali 2.

There is something about the way they portray woman in this film. And that’s evident with how much the audience woot everytime Devasenah as a role to play. Of course, Anushka as Devasenah is totally killing it.

Hyderabad still remains the same. 

Having grown up in the city. I’ve never seen such craze since a Rajnikanth film!

Back in Hyderabad. There was a press show held last night at Prasads Multiplex which commenced at 1 am. 

Meanwhile from Chennai: No 5 am shows in Tamil Nadu as KDMs were not released to theatres

Baahubali 2 shows yet to start in TamilNadu, as financial settlement between K Productions and producer’s yet to be settled.

Sivagami takes centre stage and voila, the whistles have begun.

Ramya Krishna’s entry is nothing less than those of superstars. The lady walks in ultimate style and power in her eyes.

The whistlers, papers flying everywhere and screaming all reminds us of what happens in typical Rajinikanth movie and that is crazy.                        

Prabhas’s entry from Baahubali 2 might be remembered as one of the best in recent times!

Shots from the trailer are being recognized by people. Wonder how many times they must’ve seen it. Power packed. Action filled. 

​Devasena’s entry gets claps. Hoots and whistles alike.                        

Papers are fluttering. 

This scale and madness for cinema has never been seen for.

Milk abhishekam for Prabhas has just commenced. We are going live from the first day first show of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. And so it begins!

Let’s move to Hyderabad at the moment, at a single screen theatre near the Highway. At two twin theatres Indra and Nagendra in Karmangaht, crowds are going crazy over the release, as they’re unable to get tickets on the spot. 

They have just given Prabhas an milk abhishekam Fights are erupting over tickets. There are hoots and whistles in abundance!

It’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion day. We’re finally here, 2 years since the first part of Rajamouli’s epic series began, and today, a lot of us will finally find out why Katappa killed Baahubali. 

In this live blog we will be bringing to you opinions, social media reactions, comments, first impressions, picture and videos of the first day of the release of Baahubali. 

Let the #BaahubaliMania begin!

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