Brahmastra release highlights: Early collections rival Sooryavanshi; film to have Ranbir Kapoor's career-best opening

Brahmastra release highlights: Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's highly-anticipated film broke several box office records upon its release, emerging as one of the best-opening Hindi films of late.

Brahmastra release highlights: Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor film takes a running start at the box office.

Brahmastra is finally in theatres after years of wait. After getting glowing reviews for its VFX and the chemistry between lead couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, the Ayan Mukerji sci-fi spectacle also showed a promising start at the box office, with analysts predicting it to be Ranbir Kapoor's career-best opener. 

Follow all the updates here:

• 9 Sept 2022, 05:13:27 PM IST

  Brahmastra to have Ranbir Kapoor's career best opening

  Trade analysts are predicting Brahmastra to earn ₹35-40 crore on day one, making it the best opener in Ranbir Kapoor and Ayan Mukerji's career. Read full box office early analysis here

• 9 Sept 2022, 04:40:18 PM IST

  Shanaya Kapoor thanks Ayan Mukerji for the ‘experience’

  On Instagram Stories, Shanaya Kapoor thanked director Ayan Mukerji ‘for creating this experience’. She added, “history has been created,” adding that Brahmastra was a ‘world of its own’.

• 9 Sept 2022, 04:26:22 PM IST

  Hrithik Roshan takes his kids to watch the film

  Hrithik Roshan and his sons Hridhaan and Hrehaan were spotted by paparazzi outside PVR Juhu on Friday afternoon as they reached there to catch a show of Brahmastra.

• 9 Sept 2022, 03:57:43 PM IST

  Munawar Faruqui calls Brahmastra a film ‘we should be proud of’

  Comedian and reality show star Munawar Faruqui shared his review of Brahmastra on Instagram Stories, calling it “an Indian film which we should be proud of”.

• 9 Sept 2022, 03:33:16 PM IST

  Sona Mohapatra defends Brahmastra

  When a troll tweeted about film being offensive to Hindu deities, Sona replied, “Mahadev’ Durga? Did a new incarnation come into your dreams last night & tell you this? Cus Devi Durga Ma, my personal fav is least bothered about which film star is doing what. Did you care to hear my song Mangal Gaan? Ever share the positive of what artists do for culture?”

• 9 Sept 2022, 03:19:15 PM IST

  Early collections rival RRR, Sooryavanshi in mass pockets

  As per a BoxOfficeIndia.com report, the early collections of the film in the ‘mass pockets’ of central India and Bihar circuits are rivalling the numbers of hits like RRR (Hindi) and Sooryavanshi.

• 9 Sept 2022, 02:53:30 PM IST

  Pooja Bhatt calls film an ‘ exhilarating experience’ 

  Actor Pooja Bhatt tweeted praise for her sister Alia's film, saying, “ #Brahmastra is an absolutely exhilarating experience! Magical, moving & dazzling to the eye & the spirit! Haven’t seen effects of this scale & calibre in an Indian film to date. Raised the bar in every which way. Kudos and salutations to the ENTIRE team.”

• 9 Sept 2022, 02:31:20 PM IST

  Morning shows report healthy 50% occupancy

  The morning shows of the film have reported a healthy occupancy of 40-50%, easily the highest figures for any Hindi film since the pandemic struck. As per trade sources, the numbers will grow as the day progresses

• 9 Sept 2022, 02:23:42 PM IST

  Arjun Kapoor watches the film

  Actor Arjun Kapoor was spotted at PVR Juhu before he went inside to catch a show Brahmastra, along with a few other Bollywood celebs.

• 9 Sept 2022, 02:14:06 PM IST

  Alia Bhatt dedicates film to audience

  Sharing Ayan Mukerji's post on Instagram Stories, Alia Bhatt wrote a note for the audience: “Our film…is yours now” 

• 9 Sept 2022, 01:59:06 PM IST

  Ayan Mukerji thanks his team for the journey

  In an Instagram post, director Ayan Mukerji, wrote, “ With Love and Light…Gratitude for the Journey, and Hope for the Future…Our Entire Team, and I, proudly present our work in Cinemas today…! And with many different emotions, hand over the movie to its’ rightful owners - Our Audiences!”

• 9 Sept 2022, 01:34:15 PM IST

  Kara Johar gives film to audience

  “All the love and light that the #Brahmastra team has worked on is now YOURS! Book your tickets and experience it all on the big screen - IN CINEMAS NOW!!!!,” Karan wrote in an Instagram post.

• 9 Sept 2022, 01:20:19 PM IST

  Varun Dhawan watches show

  Actor Varun Dhawan was seen at a movie theatre in Bandra, watching the movie along with other celebrities. 

• 9 Sept 2022, 01:00:33 PM IST

  Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan catch a show

  Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were seen at a movie hall with their son Taimur for a screening of the movie. They wore matching black outfits for the movie outing.

• 9 Sept 2022, 12:43:52 PM IST

  Brahmastra advance bookings 4th highest

  Brahmastra has recorded the fourth highest advance of all time for Hindi films with ₹28 crore (nett), behind only KGF 2 ( ₹42.5 crore), Baahubali The Conclusion ( ₹37.5 crore), and War ( ₹29.5 crore)

• 9 Sept 2022, 12:02:12 PM IST

  Final screen count

  Taran Adarsh has shared the final screen count for Brahmastra. “#Brahmāstra *final* screen count... ⭐ #India: 5,019 ⭐ #Overseas: 3,894+ ⭐ Worldwide total: 8,913 screens.”

• 9 Sept 2022, 11:56:48 AM IST

  Brahmastra reactions: Lacks the ‘scriptastra’

  Trade analyst Atul Mohan tweeted, “#Brahmastra Misses The Target. You had all the Astras (money, starcast, vfx...) to make this a great cinematic experience except for Scriptastra.”

• 9 Sept 2022, 11:52:16 AM IST

  Alia Bhatt's maternity fashion

  Check out a photo gallery of all the looks rocked by mom-to-be Alia Bhatt during the promotional tour for Brahmastra here.   

• 9 Sept 2022, 11:34:06 AM IST

  Ayan Mukerji felt ‘bad' that Alia-Ranbir were not allowed inside Ujjain temple

  Ayan Mukerji has spoken about the entire drama around his visit to Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple on Tuesday. The filmmaker and Alia Bhatt with Ranbir Kapoor, were set to visit the temple for darshan ahead of the release of the movie. However, the actors could not enter because of protestors outside the temple. Read full story here.

• 9 Sept 2022, 11:16:39 AM IST

  Taran Adarsh calls it ‘disppointing’

  Film trade expert Taran Adarsh isn't impressed. “#OneWordReview... #Brahmāstra: DISAPPOINTING. Rating: ⭐⭐ #Brahmāstra is a king-sized disappointment… High on VFX, low on content [second half nosedives]… #Brahmāstra could’ve been a game changer, but, alas, it’s a missed opportunity… All gloss, no soul," he wrote in a tweet.

• 9 Sept 2022, 11:10:40 AM IST

  Akhil Akkineni tweets

  Akhil Akkineni tweeted about Brahmastra, “The mammoth epic finally arrives at the movies today. Wishing this passionate team all the best. Your efforts and dedication to making this project come to life is phenomenal. #Brahmastra Can’t wait to watch the film.” He is the son of Nagarjuna, who has a special role in the movie.

• 9 Sept 2022, 10:57:22 AM IST

  Fans on social media discuss cameos

  Fans of the movie are sharing their reaction to all the cameos they spotted and loved in the movie. Those who are yet to watch the film are advised to steer clear of Twitter and Instagram.

• 9 Sept 2022, 10:51:38 AM IST

  Ranbir Kapoor on advance bookings

  The advance booking numbers of Brahmastra may be soaring but Ranbir Kapoor advises not to take them too seriously before the film releases. Read full story here.

• 9 Sept 2022, 10:34:18 AM IST

  Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt met fans

  

  Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

  At the film's screening on Thursday in Mumbai, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor met fans and shook hand with them.

• 9 Sept 2022, 10:26:59 AM IST

  Shanaya Kapoor attended screening

  

  Shanaya Kapoor at the screening.

  Shanaya Kapoor and her brother Jahaan Kapoor attended the screening for Brahmastra on Thursday.

• 9 Sept 2022, 10:22:34 AM IST

  Brahmastra final advance booking figures

  For opening weekend- ₹33 crore (Hindi- ₹29 crore, Telugu- ₹2.9 crore, Tamil- ₹28 lakh). For day one- ₹17.71 crore (Hindi- ₹15.54 crore, Telugu- ₹2 crore, Tamil- ₹15 lakh).

• 9 Sept 2022, 10:03:07 AM IST

  HT review out

  Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are electric in this Ayan Mukerji spectacle. The film is a treat for long-waiting fans of Hindi cinema. Read our full review here.

• 9 Sept 2022, 09:54:22 AM IST

  Opening day predictions

  Trade analysts predict a ₹30 crore opening day for Brahmastra, easily the highest for any Bollywood film in the pandemic-era and the best since War (2019). The numbers can go higher still given the early reviews and word of mouth

• 9 Sept 2022, 09:37:51 AM IST

  1 million tickets sold so far

  As per HT sources, almost 1 million tickets have been sold for the movie by Thursday night in advance bookings. 

• 9 Sept 2022, 09:17:21 AM IST

  Ranbir visited Lalbaugcha Raja

  Ranbir Kapoor visited Lalbaughcha Raja in Mumbai with Ayan on Thursday to pray for the success of his movie. Videos and pictures from his visit were shared online.

• 9 Sept 2022, 09:06:04 AM IST

  Mahesh Bhatt, Shaheen attend screening

  

  Mahesh with Shaheen at the screening.

  Mahesh Bhatt was spotted with Shaheen Bhatt at the screening for Alia's Brahmastra.

• 9 Sept 2022, 08:52:08 AM IST

  Positive reviews by international media

  Film critic Courtney Howard tweeted, “#Brahmastra is a wildly entertaining jump start to a planned trilogy. Western cinematic influences readily comingle with pure Bollywood spectacle. @aliaa08 is luminous & #RanbirKapoor is charismatic.”

• 9 Sept 2022, 08:45:01 AM IST

  Spoilers fill Twitter, Instagram

  Fans are advised to steer Twitter and Instagram with care. A few people have shared a bunch of spoilers from the movie on social media. 

• 9 Sept 2022, 08:35:22 AM IST

  First reactions trickle in

  HT film critic Monika Rawal gives a glowing first reaction: ‘No wonder it took #AyanMukerji years to finally bring #Brahmastra to life. A true labour of love, you witness the magic in every frame. Fab VFX. The light & fire is sure to add sparks at the box office. #RanbirKapoor is earnest, #AliaBhatt endearing. Must watch.’ The full review will be out at 10 am.

• 9 Sept 2022, 08:27:33 AM IST

  Trade experts weigh in

  Film trade expert Sumit Kadel wrote in a tweet, “If #Brahmastra turns out to be a good & engaging movie then no force can stop it from becoming HIT at the box office.Undercurrent & excitement for this film amongst audience is excellent, superlative advance is the testimony of it.Last Bollywood film which had such hype was #WAR.”

• 9 Sept 2022, 08:18:51 AM IST

  Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt spotted at Brahmastra screening

  Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor attend Brahmastra special screening on Thursday. Karan Johar, Ayan Mukerji, Neetu Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor also spotted. Read full story here. 

• 9 Sept 2022, 08:16:21 AM IST

  Brahmastra advance crossed ₹23 crore for opening weekend

  Brahmastra took a running start at the box office with record advance booking numbers for a Bollywood film in the pandemic era. Read full story here.