The horror genre has always had a strong following, and few franchises have managed to grip audiences worldwide like The Conjuring universe. With its latest release, The Conjuring: Last Rites, the saga has once again proven its dominance at the box office. The film has taken a stellar start in India, surpassing big-budget Bollywood releases such as Baaghi 4 and Madharasi on Day 1.
The performance has raised eyebrows in the industry and sparked discussions about audience preferences, the power of global franchises, and how horror is becoming a mainstream draw even in India. Let’s dive deep into the box office numbers, audience reception, and the larger impact of this remarkable opening.
A Grand Opening for The Conjuring: Last Rites
Released across thousands of screens in India, The Conjuring: Last Rites opened with strong occupancy rates from the very first show. Multiplexes in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad reported houseful morning shows, something rarely seen for a horror movie in India.
Trade analysts estimate that the film collected approximately ₹18–20 crore on its opening day, making it the top grosser among new releases. This figure not only establishes its supremacy over its Bollywood competitors but also signals the growing popularity of international horror films in the Indian market.
Baaghi 4 Falls Short of Expectations
The Baaghi franchise, starring Tiger Shroff, has been known for its action-packed sequences and loyal fan base. However, Baaghi 4 failed to meet expectations on its opening day. Despite decent promotions and star power, the film managed to earn around ₹12–13 crore, trailing behind The Conjuring: Last Rites.
Trade experts suggest that the action genre, though popular, is facing saturation, especially when repetitive themes and predictable plots fail to excite audiences. While Baaghi 4 still has potential to grow with family audiences over the weekend, its underwhelming start compared to The Conjuring has raised concerns for the franchise’s future.
Madharasi’s Niche Appeal
Madharasi, another high-profile release, opened to mixed reviews and moderate collections. The film managed to collect around ₹7–8 crore on Day 1, which, though respectable, fell far behind the competition.
Being a regional-centric release, Madharasi appealed more strongly in Tamil Nadu and parts of South India but struggled to gain traction in the Hindi-speaking belt. The presence of The Conjuring: Last Rites as a global horror spectacle also diverted younger audiences away from regional cinema this weekend.
Why Did The Conjuring Outperform Bollywood?
Several reasons explain why The Conjuring: Last Rites managed to outperform two big Bollywood releases:
- Strong Franchise Recall: The Conjuring brand has built a loyal fan base since the release of its first film in 2013. The shared universe, including Annabelle and The Nun, has cemented its place in horror cinema.
- Global Hype and Marketing: Warner Bros. pushed an aggressive global campaign for Last Rites. Trailers, posters, and digital promotions created a sense of urgency among fans.
- Positive Word-of-Mouth: Early reviews from critics and audiences praised the film for its gripping storyline, jump scares, and continuity with the Warren couple’s saga.
- Audience Shift: Younger Indian audiences are increasingly embracing Hollywood content in its original form, especially in metros and Tier-1 cities. The dubbing into Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu further widened its reach.
Audience Reactions
Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions ever since the film’s release. Fans described The Conjuring: Last Rites as “terrifying yet satisfying” and “a fitting continuation of the franchise.”
In contrast, reactions to Baaghi 4 were mixed, with many praising Tiger Shroff’s stunts but criticizing the weak storyline. Madharasi received appreciation for performances but was called “slow-paced” by sections of viewers.
The difference in audience chatter reflects how The Conjuring has struck a stronger chord with moviegoers.
Box Office Comparisons
- The Conjuring: Last Rites – ₹18–20 crore (approx)
- Baaghi 4 – ₹12–13 crore (approx)
- Madharasi – ₹7–8 crore (approx)
These numbers place The Conjuring: Last Rites as the clear winner in terms of opening-day performance. While Bollywood films often dominate in India, the trend is shifting, with Hollywood releases now competing head-to-head and, in some cases, surpassing them.
Weekend Forecast
Trade experts predict that The Conjuring: Last Rites could enjoy strong weekend growth due to positive word-of-mouth. Multiplex chains are already increasing the number of shows to meet demand. The film could easily cross ₹60–70 crore in its opening weekend if the trend continues.
Baaghi 4 is expected to pick up slightly, especially in single-screen theaters and Tier-2 cities where action films traditionally perform well. Madharasi will continue to cater to its regional audience but may face challenges sustaining beyond its first week.
Global Box Office Impact
Globally, The Conjuring: Last Rites has already set the cash registers ringing. With a worldwide opening day collection exceeding $30 million, it has reaffirmed the franchise’s global dominance. The Indian market, contributing significantly, is now being recognized as one of the fastest-growing hubs for Hollywood films.
This success highlights the increasing influence of international releases in India and the need for Bollywood to rethink its strategies in the face of global competition.
Lessons for Bollywood
The Day 1 box office clash offers several takeaways for the Indian film industry:
- Content Matters More Than Star Power: Audiences are becoming more selective, preferring engaging stories over formulaic action.
- Global Standards in Storytelling: Hollywood’s ability to blend horror, suspense, and emotional depth sets a benchmark.
- Marketing Reach: Wider campaigns, both digital and on-ground, play a critical role in building hype.
- Genre Diversification: Bollywood needs to explore fresh genres instead of over-relying on action or romance.
Long-Term Outlook for The Conjuring: Last Rites
If the film continues to perform strongly, it may become one of the highest-grossing Hollywood horror films in India. It is already on track to surpass the records set by The Nun II and Annabelle Comes Home. With strong weekday occupancy and minimal competition in the coming weeks, Last Rites could establish itself as a benchmark for the genre.
Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites has made a thunderous debut in India, surpassing Bollywood heavyweights Baaghi 4 and Madharasi. Its success underscores the evolving tastes of Indian audiences, who are now embracing international horror with as much enthusiasm as traditional Bollywood masala.
For Bollywood, this clash serves as a wake-up call to innovate and experiment, while for audiences, it’s proof that good content always finds its way to success—no matter the genre or origin.
FAQs
Q1. How much did The Conjuring: Last Rites earn on Day 1 in India?
It earned approximately ₹18–20 crore, the highest among all new releases.
Q2. How did Baaghi 4 perform on opening day?
Baaghi 4 collected around ₹12–13 crore, falling short of expectations.
Q3. Did Madharasi have a good start?
It earned ₹7–8 crore, with stronger traction in South India.
Q4. Why is The Conjuring franchise so popular in India?
The franchise combines strong storytelling, global marketing, and authentic horror elements that resonate with Indian audiences.
Q5. Will The Conjuring: Last Rites sustain in the coming weeks?
Yes, trade experts predict it will have a strong run, potentially breaking records for Hollywood horror films in India.
