‘Ram Setu’ Opens On A High For Akshay Kumar, Scores Low In 10 Days

Hindi film Ram Setu had a Diwali-special release but it registered an opening collection below expectations at the box office in India on day one. It did score well for lead actor Akshay Kumar – the film is his highest opener in India in 2022. Made on an estimated budget of $11 million, the film has earned roughly $7.8 million in India in ten days of the release. Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the film also features Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushratt Bharuccha.

The Hindi film collected mere $650000 outside India in the extended weekend that spread across six days. The film made an opening collection of $1.8 million on Tuesday (October 25) and the earnings took a dip right from the second day of the release. Both the days were holidays in India and registered below average response at the ticket windows for Ram Setu. As per producers of the film, Abuduntia Entertainment, Ram Setu averaged $6.8 million in India over the first weekend, an extended one thanks to the festive release.

Kumar has had three theatrical releases this year. Bachchan Pandey made an opening day collection of $1.6 million while Samrat Prithviraj collected $1.2 million on the opening day. Raksha Bandhan had a mere $1 million opening collection.

Though the numbers are low for the film per se, they fare well in comparison to other Hindi releases this year. The opening day collection of Ram Setu is second only to Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra Part One. The Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-starrer collected $ million on day one of the release on September 30.

Kumar plays the role of Dr Aryan Kulshreshtha, an archaeologist given the task to find out whether Ram Setu (also known as the Adam’s bridge) – the bridge that connects India and Sri Lanka – is a man-made structure or a result of natural process. He faces many obstacles in the path, mostly placed by ill-meaning politicians ad businessmen.

With an interesting premise backed by creative producer Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Ram Setu had enough potential for an entertaining and gripping product. However, lopsided arguments in the faith versus science debate in the second half spoils the otherwise rational film. The movie often falters in writing and coherence.

Actor Satya Dev as AP the local guide who helps Kumar and his team in his endeavour in Sri Lanka is one of the best parts of the film. His comic timings and smooth portrayal of the know-it-all character makes AP endearing to the audience. Ram Setu does not offer much space and meat for the female stars. Both Fernandez and Bharuccha have little to do in the film. Actors Pravesh Rana and Nasser play the main antagonists and do justice to their roles.