Brahmastra release highlights: Early collections rival Sooryavanshi; film 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

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’.

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.

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”.

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?”

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.

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.”

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

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

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

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!”

“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.

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

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.

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)

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.”

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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