Weekend BO: Bimbisara is a blockbuster, Sita Ramam is a hit

Last weekend, Kalyan Ram starrer ‘Bimbisara’ and Dulquer Salmaan starrer ‘Sita Ramam’, both divergent from each other, hit the theaters, and both emerged as winners. Such scenes happen rarely. No film could get a decent opening in the last 50 days. At a time Telugu film producers and distributors lost hopes on theatrical revenue, these two films boosted hopes. They successfully brought the audiences to the theaters.

‘Bimbisara’, being a mass film, has an advantage. It took a massive collection in domestic markets in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Ceded (Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh) has posted big numbers for this movie. ‘Bimbisara’ collected about Rs 15.5 Cr in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the first weekend.

Interestingly, the film also made good money in the USA. It is the biggest grosser in Kalyan Ram’s career. The film grossed more than $300k (Rs 2.40 Cr) in the USA.

New director Vassisht directed this fantasy film, while Hari Krishna bankrolled it.

Sita Ramam, a class hit

Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur, and Rashmika Mandanna starrer ‘Sita Ramam’ opened to low numbers on the first day. But positive reviews and word-of-mouth have helped the film immensely. The film saw a huge jump in collections, especially in Hyderabad and other urban areas on Saturday and Sunday. The Sunday collection is massive for this film.

In the USA, it emerged as a blockbuster. The film has crossed the milestone of half million dollars. On the first weekend, it collected about $550k (Rs 4.30 Cr). ‘Sita Ramam’ is expected to gain more in the long run.

‘Sita Ramam’ is directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. Swapna Dutt and Ashwini Dutt bankrolled the film.

Both these films brought cheers to the industry.