It's September 7th, and the entire nation is pulsating with excitement as Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, graces the silver screen with his latest magnum opus, "Jawan." Directed by Atlee and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, this film has set the box office on fire even before its official release. The anticipation for this action-packed extravaganza is so intense that it's hard to believe that anything else is happening in the world.
Before we delve into the cinematic spectacle that is "Jawan," we bring this report from GrabOn that talks about the unprecedented buzz surrounding it. The film's advance bookings have shattered records, with a staggering ₹51.17 crore collected from eager fans worldwide. To put that in perspective, it has already surpassed the opening day record of Shah Rukh Khan's earlier blockbuster, "Pathaan," in India. Film trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan took to Twitter to break this news, revealing jaw-dropping figures that have left the industry in awe.
"Jawan" has managed to secure ₹32.47 crore in advance bookings for its opening day in India alone, and it has raked in ₹18.70 crore ($2.25 million) from overseas markets. This isn't just a film; it's a phenomenon. Manobala Vijayabalan's tweet read, "BREAKING: Jawan Day 1 advance sales. SOLD 7 lakh tickets. CROSSES ₹20 crore gross mark across all theatres in India. National Multiplexes alone sell 3 lakh plus tickets for the opening day… 2 days to Jawan..."
He even shared a detailed breakdown of the tickets sold, revealing that national multiplexes like PVR, INOX, and CINEPOLIS were selling like hotcakes. The figures are mind-boggling: 1,51,278 tickets sold at PVR, 1,06,297 at INOX, and 52,615 at CINEPOLIS. The total tally? A jaw-dropping 7,27,200 tickets sold across India, grossing ₹20.06 crore (excluding blocked seats).BREAKING:#Jawan hits HALF-CENTURY even before release at the WW Box Office
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) September 6, 2023
Advance Sales Day 1
India - ₹ 32.47 cr
Overseas - ₹ 18.70 cr [$2.25 M - Reported Locs]
Total WW Gross - ₹ 51.17 cr
Also, #ShahRukhKhan BEATS #Pathaan opening day advance booking of ₹32 cr in… pic.twitter.com/lX6CmYsmD1
But numbers only tell part of the story. It's the feverish anticipation and palpable excitement in the air that truly sets "Jawan" apart. Fans have been flocking to theaters since the wee hours of the morning, eager to witness SRK's magic on the silver screen. They greeted his on-screen avatar with bursting crackers and impromptu dance performances outside cinema halls from Kashmir to Chennai.
Today, September 7th, has become a national celebration of all things SRK.
Now, talking about the cinematic masterpiece --- "Jawan” is a quintessential SRK show from , a delightful double treat for fans as he plays a dual role that showcases his acting prowess like never before. Even at 57, turning 58 in November, SRK leaves you spellbound with his action sequences. In "Jawan," he takes action to a whole new level, making his previous film, "Pathaan," look like a mere teaser. Atlee, in his Hindi directorial debut, crafts a massy entertainer that seamlessly blends all the elements of commercial cinema.
"Jawan" defies convention; it doesn't follow a set template or trope. Instead, it brings together all the ingredients of a gripping and entertaining watch. It's a commercial potboiler with action, drama, music, romance, and more, all served in generous portions. While it encourages you to use your brains, it doesn't forget to raise important social issues.
In its nearly three-hour runtime, the film explores the rampant corruption that plagues various levels of the system, inflicting severe consequences on ordinary citizens. Remarkably, it manages to do so without becoming preachy, even delivering a thought-provoking monologue from SRK towards the film's conclusion.
The narrative of "Jawan" is not linear; it begins in the present day, leaps 30 years ahead, and then takes us on a riveting journey through flashbacks to explain the why and how of its intricate plot. Without divulging too many spoilers, it's safe to say that "Jawan" is not your typical revenge drama. Instead, each sequence unfolds as a self-contained short story, with elaborate flashbacks providing the rationale behind the characters' current actions. While this keeps the audience engaged, some might find the frequent shifts in storytelling a tad disorienting.
What remains consistent in "Jawan" is the top-notch, meticulously choreographed action that delivers a cinematic experience like no other. With a blend of Bollywood and South Indian flair, the film combines slow-motion shots, gravity-defying stunts, and a hero with demigod-like status. Amidst the adrenaline-pumping action, "Jawan" delves into some pressing issues, including farmer suicides due to the inability to repay minuscule bank loans. Given the nation's recent experiences with mass farmer protests, this storyline resonates deeply and forces you to confront uncomfortable truths. One particular scene depicting a farmer's heart-wrenching decision to end his life is enough to leave you teary-eyed.
It also sheds light on corruption within the healthcare system and the deplorable conditions of government hospitals. It transitions seamlessly from high-octane action to lighter, more heartwarming tales. Running parallel to the main plot, the film weaves the story of Narmada (played by Nayanthara), the head of Force Once, on the hunt for Vikram Rathore (SRK) due to his involvement in a daring hijacking. Simultaneously, Narmada finds herself drawn to Azad Rathore (also SRK), creating a romantic subplot. Amidst all this, the menacing character Kalee (Vijay Sethupathi), an arms dealer with a history involving Vikram Rathore, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
The box office frenzy around "Jawan" is nothing short of historic. With the film expected to be Shah Rukh Khan's second ₹100 crore opener of the year, following "Pathaan," and the possibility of it joining the ₹1000 crore club in the same year, it's safe to say that "Jawan" is rewriting the rules of Indian cinema.
According to the reports, the first-day advance booking alone has grossed ₹21.14 crore in India. The film is available in both 2D and IMAX formats, with some tickets in Delhi fetching an eye-watering ₹2400.
This cinematic experience, directed by Atlee and featuring a star-studded cast including Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Sunil Grover, Yogi Babu, and Ridhi Dogra, it's a testament to the power of storytelling and the magnetic charm of SRK.
This blockbuster is not just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of cinematic excellence, and a mirror reflecting some of the most pressing issues plaguing our society. So, whether you're a die-hard SRK fan or simply a lover of great cinema, "Jawan" is an unmissable experience that will leave you spellbound and craving for more. SRK, once again, has proven why he is the undisputed King of Bollywood, and "Jawan" is his crowning jewel.