Finally, there is respite for Bollywood as newer Hindi releases have managed to entice audiences to some extent at the least. Ever since the release of Badrinath Ki Dulhania, not even a single new Hindi release (with an exception of Naam Shabana to certain levels) has managed to bring in good numbers. In fact not even a single Hindi film has crossed the lifetime total of 40 crore since then.

However, the weekend gone by was different as between Half Girlfriend and Hindi Medium over 40 crore came in just over the weekend. While former contributed with 33 crore*, latter brought in 12.50 crores. For the budget at which the two films have been made, these are fine numbers and all that has to be seen now is how do they hold up during the weekdays.

Box Office - Economics work for Half Girlfriend and Hindi Medium as they stay safe after the opening weekend
Box Office – Economics work for Half Girlfriend and Hindi Medium as they stay safe after the opening weekend

Half Girlfriend has a budget of 50 crore and with good money already coming in from the sales of satellite, music and other rights (36 crore), theatrical revenue that comes in now would be good enough to take it to the success zone since only 28 crore were required and that has already been achieved.

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On the other hand Hindi Medium too has been made on a controlled budget of 22 crore. With 15 crore already recovered through sales of digital, satellite, music and overseas, the film needs only 14 crore from India theatrical business to break even. The way film is going, the Irrfan Khan starrer should go past the 20 crore mark soon.

While Half Girlfriend and Hindi Medium were finding audiences of their own, Baahubali 2 [Hindi] was busy extending its quest as 17 crore* more came in the fourth weekend. The film now stands at 477 crore* and the makers could well be putting together plans to celebrate the 500 Crore Club foundation in a few days from now.

*Estimates. Final numbers awaited

Note: All collections as per production and distribution sources

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

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