29 August 2023, Mumbai: The journey of “King Of Kotha” at the box office has been a rollercoaster, with highs and lows marking its trajectory. The gangster drama led by Dulquer Salmaan faced a setback on its fifth day, registering a meager Rs 1 crore in earnings, according to early box office estimates. Disappointment tinged the air as this highly-anticipated creation grappled with underwhelming results.
King of Kotha Box Office Collection
The initial days held promise, but the figures failed to reflect this potential. Over the first four days, the film amassed a modest Rs 13.45 crore in net earnings from the Indian market, painting a picture of a lackluster performance. As the journey continued, the film’s financial stature further waned, settling at a mere Rs 1 crore in earnings on the fifth day. This downturn resonated particularly in the Malayalam version, where the film experienced an occupancy rate of 14.71 per cent. In contrast, the Telugu and Tamil renditions fared slightly better with occupancy rates at 16.38 per cent and 16.73 per cent, respectively.
Competition from “Gadar 2,” “Jailer,” and “RDX,”.
The challenges facing “King Of Kotha” extended beyond the national borders, with its global earnings approximating around Rs 28 crores. However, the struggle for attention at the box office wasn’t solely due to intrinsic shortcomings. The movie found itself locked in competition with cinematic counterparts like “Gadar 2” and “Jailer,” which posed significant obstacles to its potential success. Additionally, the formidable presence of “RDX,” an action-packed spectacle that garnered acclaim from both audiences and critics, intensified the rivalry. This complexity deepened as “King Of Kotha” endeavored to carve its place amidst the cinematic arena, further complicated by the simultaneous release of “Ramachandra Boss and Co,” featuring Nivi Pauly.
Dulqueer Salman Urges Improvement in Malayalam Cinema
Behind the scenes, Dulquer Salmaan played a pivotal role in the film’s production, leveraging his Wayfarer Films banner with support from Zee Studios. Delving into his motivation, Salmaan expressed a desire to diverge from the prevailing trend of introspective and modest narratives characterizing much of Malayalam cinema. Instead, he aspired to concoct a cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly blends grand visual aesthetics with impeccable technical finesse, all in an effort to entertain and enthrall the discerning audience. Despite the challenges faced, the spirit of innovation and determination underlying “King Of Kotha” remains an integral part of its journey.
By Yashika Desai