Baaghi 4 Dominates Screen Count, But Conjuring Last Rites: Brings Unstoppable Advance Momentum
This Friday will see one of the most competitive showcasing battles of this year after War 2 & Coolie, as multiple big films hit theatres at once. Exhibitors are facing a tough task of balancing screens between Baaghi 4, The Conjuring: Last Rites, Bengal Files, Param Sundari & Vash 2 alongside a string of smaller and regional holdovers. For 2 screen and 3 screen properties especially. Programming has turned into a puzzle with no easy solution.
Screen Count Division
- Baaghi 4: 2970 screens Approx.
- Conjuring: Last Rites: 2140 screens Approx.
- Bengal Files: 600 screens Approx.
- Param Sundari: 900 screens Approx.
Despite heavy competition, Baaghi 4 has walked away with the maximum showcasing, especially in the Hindi belt and mass circuits. Conjuring follows closely, but its presence is already punching above its screen count thanks to massive advance sales. Bengal Files and Param Sundari hold limited but significant releases, catering to their specific target audiences.
The Showcasing Ratio
Overall showcasing is tilted at about 60:40 in favour of Baaghi 4. However, Conjuring advance wave has been nothing short of historic in horror gere. Several cinemas, especially in metros, are already adding late night and midnight shows to meet the extraordinary demand.
Advance Sales Impact
Conjuring: Last Rites is tracking a record breaking start for a straight horror film in India. With 2.5 lakh tickets expected to close in advance sales at national chains before release, it is already ahead of many Hollywood blockbusters. The opening day is forecasted in the between Rs 18 to 20 crore nett range, which would make it the biggest debut ever for its genre in the country. Its weekend sales across chains are also rock solid, suggesting a blockbuster trend in the making. Baaghi 4, as Based on the advances at national chains, a double-digit start is guaranteed for Baaghi. The real test now is how far it can go beyond that, which depends on walk in audiences.
2 & 3 Screen Cinemas – The Balancing Act
- Baaghi 4: 5 shows (approx. 45%)
- Conjuring (Hindi + English): 3 shows (approx. 27%)
- Bengal Files: 2 shows (approx. 18%)
- Param Sundari: 1 show (approx. 9%)
3 Screen Showcasing -
- Baaghi 4: 7 shows
- Conjuring: 4 shows
- Bengal Files: 2 shows
- Param Sundari: 2 shows
Film-wise Spotlight
Baaghi 4
This film is a crucial release for Tiger Shroff. The previous Baaghi installment did not meet expectations, but the franchise still commands strong exhibitor trust. With the maximum screen count nationwide, Baaghi 4 is well-placed to dominate mass centres. If reviews come strong, it could translate this wide showcasing into solid numbers across metros as well.
Conjuring: Last Rites
The final chapter of the iconic franchise is off to a phenomenal start. Advance bookings have broken records for a horror film in India and capacity is already becoming an issue in some markets. Despite fewer screens than Baaghi, Conjuring late night additions and horror’s mass appeal make it the real X-factor of the weekend.
Bengal Files
A limited release with a lengthy runtime, the film struggles to secure maximum shows. Still, its 600 screens ensure it maintains presence in premium circuits and it could build on word of mouth where it connects with audiences.
Param Sundari
After a strong start earlier, the film continues with 900 screens this week. Its showcasing is tighter due to new releases, but it remains steady in regions where it has performed consistently.
CineInfinity Insights
This Friday is all about the clash between Baaghi screen dominance and Conjuring advance firepower. Bengal Files and Param Sundari add further depth to an already packed slate, making showcasing one of the most difficult challenges exhibitors have faced this year.
And due to the crowded line-up, many 2 and 3 screen cinemas are unable to accommodate smaller titles but strong wom movies- like Lokah, Dil Madharaasi and Ghaati, which are missing out on showcasing despite being fresh releases.
