Hollywood movies have always been a big part of Indian movie watching culture. Back in the days, films used to have a very controlled release or were watched on vcds. The penetration for Hollywood films kept increasing with time, to the point that they now not just give the local biggies a run for their money but also do better business than them in many cases.
First Hollywood Blockbuster In India - Jurassic Park
The first big blockbuster from Hollywood came in the form of Jurassic Park back in the early 1990s. Since then, there have been many import films that have done phenomenal business. Titanic went on to become the second highest Indian grosser of the year, only behind Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Superhero, disaster and mystical films ruled the roost in the 2000s and they are yet the top consideration for most viewers who watch Hollywood films in theatres.
Marvel - The Pioneers For Hollywood Films In Recent Times
The Top Hollywood openers have been topped by Marvel films primarily because of the very strong IP that they have created. Marvel focused on making a universe around their superhero characters and that has reaped them great dividends. The biggest opener and the highest grosser for Hollywood films belongs to Avengers: Endgame and that film involved the assembling of top billing superhero stars in one film.
James Cameron has seen great success in India. While Titanic was the second highest grosser of the year back when it released, Avatar (2009) emerged as the second highest grossing Hollywood film of its time, only behind the film 2012, a global flop but a blockbuster in India. Avatar: The Way Of Water advance bookings opened on a record note but the momentum has not been as strong as the initial bookings suggested. Regardless, the film is expected to open in the Rs. 30 to 40 cr nett range on its opening day, which can either make it the second or the third highest Hollywood opener of all time.
Here is the list of Top Hollywood openers in India:
1. Avengers Endgame - Rs 53.60 cr
This film was the most hyped film in the world and grossed over a billion dollars in its first weekend. It was the last film of Robert Downey Jr. for Marvel as Iron Man.
2. Spiderman No Way Home - Rs 32.67 cr
This Tom Holland and Zendaya led Spiderman sequel became the highest grossing Spiderman film of all time apart from being the highest grossing standalone Marvel film outside the Avengers films. It involved the union of Spidermans from different multiverses.
3. Avengers Infinity War - Rs 31.30 cr
Avengers Infinity War was among the first Hollywood films to register a massive theatrical opening in India, giving the local biggies a run for their money. It was the biggest Hollywood film opener of its time with more than a double margin. It had an ensemble cast featuring big guns like Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.
4. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness - Rs 27.50 cr
This film created massive hype for itself as the trailer of this film was plugged with the biggest standalone Marvel film outside Avengers Endgame, that is Spiderman No Way Home. This Bennedict Cumberbatch film emerged as the second highest opener among standalone superhero films, only behind the much hyped Spiderman No Way Home.
5. Thor: Love and Thunder - Rs 18.60 cr
Thor became a top billing superhero with the success of Thor: Ragnarok. The opening of this film surprised one and all as it broke into the top 5 list despite being an origin film. Chris Hemsworth enjoys a solid fan following in India and this film was yet another hit for the actor.
How much will Avatar: The Way Of Water collect in India on its first day?
