'Haider' Box Office News: Indian Drama Earns Back Production Cost
Despite modest earnings during its first few days on the big screen, "Haider" continues to earn steadily at the domestic box office and has reportedly earned back its production cost.
According to IBTimes India, the controversial Indian drama made around 38 crore (about $6.2 million) in seven days. The film reportedly cost 24 crore ($3.9 million) to make and is now making profit from the box office income. The cast and crew including the lead actors celebrated the film's success on Wednesday night.
Industry experts predicted that the film will appeal to only a small niche audience, but solid performances from the lead actors, as well as the great quality of the cinematography, has drawn people to flock to movie theaters in India to watch "Haider."
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The film has garnered critical acclaim and according to Deepak Sharma, chief operating officer of PVR Pictures.
"Word of mouth publicity is working for the film. I would say that the audience is not only appreciating the film because of the publicity, but due to genuine liking towards the movie," he said.
Overseas, the film earned $375,000 in the US, and in AGC areas, the film collected $320,000. These were the accumulated earnings during the weekend. The U.K. collection reports earnings of $94,000.
"It has performed really well," added Sharma, "The liking for the film is not only limited to single screens as the film is getting a good response from multiplex audience as well. The good response for the film at our cinema chain is good."
"Haider" is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The film stars Shahid Kapoor in the lead role and also stars Shraddha Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, and Irrfan Khan.
