First Day Collection of Raees: A Box Office Record-Breaker

The highly anticipated Bollywood film, Raees, released on January 25, 2017, and it has already broken box office records in India and overseas. The film stars superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role and is directed by Rahul Dholakia. Raees is a crime drama set in the 1980s and tells the story of a bootlegger who becomes a powerful figure in the underworld of Gujarat.

The Hype and Expectations

Raees had been generating buzz for months leading up to its release. Fans were eagerly waiting to see Shah Rukh Khan back in a gritty, intense role after a string of romantic comedies. The film’s trailer had already garnered over 50 million views on YouTube, and the catchy song “Laila Main Laila” featuring Sunny Leone had become a chartbuster.

The expectations were high, and the film did not disappoint. On its opening day, Raees collected a whopping INR 20.42 crore (approximately $2.8 million) in India alone, making it the highest opening day collection for a Bollywood film in 2017. The film also broke records overseas, grossing $1.6 million in the United States and Canada on its opening day.

The Power of Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, and his star power was evident in the success of Raees. The actor’s fans thronged to theaters to catch the first-day first show of the film, and his performance as the titular character was widely praised.

Khan’s portrayal of Raees Alam was nuanced and layered, showcasing his range as an actor. He brought depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional, and his charisma and screen presence kept audiences hooked throughout the film.

The Impact of Word of Mouth

While the hype and star power of Shah Rukh Khan undoubtedly contributed to the success of Raees, the film’s positive word of mouth also played a significant role. Audiences who saw the film on its opening day took to social media to rave about it, praising the performances, direction, and storyline.

This positive buzz helped to draw in more viewers over the weekend, and Raees continued to break records at the box office. By the end of its first weekend, the film had collected over INR 93 crore (approximately $12.8 million) in India alone, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2017 so far.

The Future of Bollywood

The success of Raees is a testament to the power of Bollywood as a global entertainment industry. The film’s box office collections have surpassed those of Hollywood blockbusters like xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter in India.

This success also highlights the changing tastes of Indian audiences, who are increasingly drawn to films that offer more than just song-and-dance routines. Raees is a gritty crime drama that tackles issues like prohibition, corruption, and morality, and it has resonated with audiences across India and beyond.

In conclusion, the first-day collection of Raees has broken box office records and set a new standard for Bollywood films in 2017. The film’s success is a testament to the star power of Shah Rukh Khan, the impact of positive word of mouth, and the changing tastes of Indian audiences. Raees is a must-watch for fans of Bollywood and anyone looking for a gripping crime drama with heart.