The second installment to The Amazing Spider-Man has set the cash registers ringing (that is what the folks at Sony Pictures India claim). In a press statement released by the company the Andrew Garfield starrer has raked in Rs 41.7 crore ($ 6.92 million) in its four day opening weekend.
The follow up to the 2012 feature helmed once again by Marc Webb released in India a day prior to the US screens on 1 May across an unprecedented 1523 screens. According to Sony Pictures India the film also registered the highest ever opening day gross for any Hollywood title when it opened on Thursday. It released in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and in 3D, 2D, IMAX 3D and in Dolby Atmos where available.
Sony Pictures India MD Kercy Daruwala said in a statement: “The Amazing Spider-Man 2 once again consolidates Spider-Man’s position as a franchise that cannot be beaten. We are happy to say that the film garnered unprecedented buzz in the weeks before release. We have taken a mass marketing approach to this film with some unique and very local innovations, further amplified with the invaluable support of the entire Sony group. Thanks to these innovations, the film has the fourth highest opening amongst all films, including local titles, released in India this year.”
“The film’s response has been excellent with many people calling it the best Spider-Man film ever and enjoying the spectacular 3D effects. We have some very good weeks ahead of us as we continue to reap the benefits of an open release period coupled with great word-of-mouth and repeat viewing,” he added.
Hollywood features, especially franchises have generally fared well in the Indian subcontinent. The Indian audience has always preferred watching great sci-fi action and adventure films. Being a superhero film, it was expected to get a good footfall over the two days considering that the school and college exams have ended and vacations are on for most students; also leveraging the 1 May holiday across major cities in the state of Maharashtra.
Over the years movies like Avatar, Iron Man, Avengers, Captain America and the list goes on; have done tremendous box-office in India and the trend continues to evolve as the Indian audience is more accepting of innovative scripts and storylines.
With sequels to The Amazing Spider-Man 2 already announced for release in 2016 and 2018, the makers can certainly expect greater footfalls in the coming years.