S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Epic Shines in U.S. Theaters
S.S. Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, Baahubali: The Epic, has made a grand return to U.S. theaters, drawing a diverse audience and raking in approximately $837.3k since its midweek release across around 450 screens. The film’s U.S. distribution was managed by Variance Films, in collaboration with producers Arka Mediaworks and marketing agency Walls & Trends. In Canada, the film was released by Prathyangira Cinemas.
A Remastered Cinematic Experience
Baahubali: The Epic is a fresh take on the acclaimed two-part series, Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)—the latter being the highest-grossing Indian film in North America. Rajamouli has meticulously remastered and edited these films into a single cinematic event, which runs for four hours, complete with an intermission. The release began on Wednesday, showcasing on 160 premium large format screens, including IMAX, with sold-out shows at AMC Lincoln Square IMAX and various theaters nationwide. A select number of theaters even offered midnight screenings to accommodate eager fans.
On Thursday, the film expanded to 448 locations, maintaining over 60 PLF runs. It is set to continue its theatrical run through next weekend, following a successful model that Variance developed with RRR, which saw the film return to theaters after its initial release with an “encoRRRe” showing that continues to draw crowds and has added $1.5 million to its original gross.
Audience Reactions and Projections
According to Variance president and founder Dylan Marchetti, “S.S. Rajamouli’s films are what movie theaters were built for. Experiencing the excitement of die-hard fans cheering their favorite moments, while new viewers lean forward in anticipation, is an unparalleled joy in cinema.” He noted that the film’s initial gross exceeded internal expectations.
While Indian films often capture about 80% of their earnings on the first day from Indian audiences, Baahubali: The Epic saw approximately 10% to 15% of its audience comprised of non-Indian fans who had previously enjoyed RRR and heard about this latest release through Letterboxd and social media. Marchetti anticipates that the ongoing showings will predominantly attract non-Indian moviegoers.
Plot Overview and Star-Studded Cast
In Baahubali, a legendary warrior rises from humble beginnings to confront powerful forces threatening his homeland, with ancient prophecies and family ties guiding his journey. The film features a talented cast including Prabhas in dual roles, alongside Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishna, Nassar, Sathyaraj, Subbaraju, and Adivi Sesh.
RRR’s Success and Other Indie Releases
RRR debuted in March 2022, opening with $9.5 million domestically and ultimately grossing over $15 million in the U.S. and $166 million worldwide. It became a box office sensation during a post-COVID lull, even winning the Oscar for Best Original Score.
In other indie film news, Focus Features’ Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, grossed $4.8 million in its second week, achieving a total of $5.8 million. The film has received positive reviews, earning an 86% Critics Score and 83% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, animated family comedy Stitch Head by Briarcliff opened to $2.1 million, while Roadside Attractions’ Anniversary is expected to earn around $259.2k on 809 screens.
Stay tuned for more updates on these films and the box office landscape!
