Over the weekend, Kalki 2898 AD, a Telugu sci-fi epic from Prathyangira Cinemas, continued its impressive run at the box office. Despite being in its second week of release, the film managed to secure the eighth spot on 925 screens, outperforming newer releases such as Kill, a Hindi action film. This feat is uncommon for Indian films, which typically experience their peak business during the opening weekend. With a gross of $1.79 million and a cumulative total of $16 million, Kalki has become one of the highest-grossing Indian films in North America in the past year.
In comparison, Kill, which received positive reviews and is set for an English-language remake by Lionsgate, failed to resonate as strongly with the Indian diaspora and action genre enthusiasts. Despite an extensive release on 827 screens, the film only managed to generate $384.5k in revenue. This stands in contrast to Kalki’s widespread appeal and sustained success in the market.
Additionally, films like Kinds of Kindness from Searchlight Pictures and Thelma from Magnolia Pictures also maintained their positions in the top 10 over the weekend. Kinds of Kindness, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, earned an estimated $860,000, bringing its total earnings to $3.8 million. On the other hand, Thelma, a feature debut by Josh Margolin featuring June Squibb, brought in $760k for a cumulative total of $6.85 million.
A new limited release, Mother Couch by Niclas Larsson, starring Ewan McGregor, Rys Ifans, Ellen Burstyn, and Laura Flynn Boyle, made its debut at the Angelika Film Center, grossing $9k from a single engagement. The film is set to open in Los Angeles next week before expanding to other top markets.
While the specialty box office landscape didn’t see many new releases, the success of holdovers like Kalki 2898 AD demonstrates the enduring appeal of certain films among audiences. As the industry continues to evolve, these performances serve as a reminder of the diverse range of content available to moviegoers and the significance of sustained momentum in a competitive market.