PremiumUI, Max to end theatrical runs as Gamechanger bookings open in Karnataka?
Bookings dropped massively for both UI and Max in the first week of January and will see a further decline as the Sankranti releases hit theatres
Last Updated: 08.30 PM, Jan 07, 2025
When Real Star Upendra’s UI and then Kiccha Sudeep’s Max were announced for release within 5 days of each other, there was worry about a box office clash, but also because there films from other industries also vying for a share of the Christmas and New Year market. But with the competition from other language films all but fading out, both films managed to have a good first week run, after which collections have dropped. And now, with the major Sankranti releases headed to theatres this week, UI and Max are likely to close out their theatrical stay.
As of January 6, trade trackers reckon that both UI and Max were grossing in the range of 0.1 cr to 0.35 cr only, which will drop further in the next couple of days, once bookings for the big Sankranti releases open full-fledged. Advance bookings for Ram Charan’s Gamechanger opened on January 7, which has impacted both films further. It is reported that Max and UI have recorded India net collections in the range of Rs 35 cr to Rs 40 cr only, although both teams have claimed successful box office outings.
Multiplex bookings of Gamechanger are expected to open on January 8, and it remains to be seen how many screens/shows UI and Max are left with thereafter. This will deplete further once Daaku Maharaj, Sankranthigi Vasthunam, Madha Gaja Raja, Vanangaan, Madraskaaran, join the race.
Add to this the Kannada films Choo Mantar, Sanju Weds Geetha and Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu, which are yet to announce their theatre lists, and it looks unlikely that UI or Max will make any sizeable addition to the current box office figures. In fact, reports suggest that both films are likely to head to OTT after the 30-day mark, indicating that they maybe available to stream around the same time, albeit on different platforms.