There’s a reason why Anushka Shetty is referred as Lady Superstar by her fans.
Among the leading actresses in southern cinema, she enjoys a large fan base and market of her own which has helped her films at the box-office over the years. Her latest release Bhaagamathie is no exception as the film has stirred up a storm at the ticket window, grossing around Rs 12 crore on the first day worldwide.
Sources in the trade believe that the film, thanks to its strong content and highly positive word of mouth, is most likely to become the first south Indian female-centric film to enter Rs 50 crore club.
With Bhaagamathie performing beyond the makers’ expectations at the box-office, Anushka now has two films in the Rs 10 crore and above on the opening day club. Her 2015 historic drama Rudhramadevi grossed Rs 12.50 crore on the first day.
Unfortunately, Rudhramadevi ended up as an average grosser by the end of its theatrical run, given its high budget and overall production cost. Bhaagamathie, on the other hand, has been made on a much lesser budget and the makers are sure to enjoy profits.
Anushka is thrilled with the response to Bhaagamathie. She took to Facebook and wrote:
In the US, Bhaagamathie has already zoomed past the half-million mark and might end up becoming the first south Indian heroine-centric film to enter the million dollar club.
According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film as of Saturday has minted Rs. 3.44 crore in the US. Early estimates suggest that the film might have minted around $725k in its opening weekend in USA and if the estimated numbers are anything to go by, the film might supersede star-studded Telugu films such as MCA, Nenu Local and Hello.