INVC NEWS Mumbai – Following a thunderous start at the box office on May 1st, Ajay Devgn’s action-thriller Raid 2 and two major South Indian releases, Hit 3 and Retro, continued their battle for dominance on day two. While Raid 2 maintains its commanding presence, both Hit 3 and Retro witnessed noticeable drops in earnings on Friday. Here’s a complete breakdown of their performance, cast contributions, and projected momentum as the weekend approaches.
Raid 2 Roars Ahead: Ajay Devgn’s Thriller Stays Strong on Day 2
Ajay Devgn has once again proven his mettle with Raid 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Raid. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this gripping crime drama picked up exactly where its predecessor left off—delivering impactful dialogues, intense courtroom drama, and high-octane confrontations that have captivated audiences across the country.
Box Office Collection So Far
Day 1 (Thursday): ₹17.85 crore
Day 2 (Friday): ₹14.65 crore
Total (2 Days): ₹32.5 crore
Despite being a non-holiday release, Raid 2 has exhibited strong word-of-mouth momentum, especially in metro cities and urban multiplexes. Its consistent performance on Friday solidifies its potential to cross the ₹50 crore mark by Sunday, signaling a robust weekend trajectory.
Hit 3 Day 2 Collection: A Slight Dip After an Explosive Debut
Featuring Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, and Adivi Sesh, Hit 3 made a sensational debut on Thursday, drawing large crowds in the Telugu-speaking belt and beyond. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the film continues the investigative thriller narrative of the franchise with high-stakes storytelling and suspenseful sequences.
Day-Wise Earnings
Day 1 (Thursday): ₹21 crore
Day 2 (Friday): ₹7.7 crore
Total (2 Days): ₹28.7 crore
While Friday’s earnings saw a 63% drop, this dip is expected due to the initial rush of fans on opening day. The film has maintained its grip in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, particularly in single screens and Tier-2 cities, thanks to a dedicated fan base and strong regional marketing campaigns.
Audience and Critical Reception
Critics have praised Hit 3 for its layered screenplay and gripping narrative. Performances by Nani and Srinidhi Shetty have been described as “riveting” and “deeply immersive.” The music, background score, and intense climax have all contributed to the film’s positive buzz.
Retro Day 2 Collection: Earnings Drop Significantly
South star Suriya, paired with Pooja Hegde, headlines Retro, a stylized period action film helmed by Karthik Subbaraj. While it created a splash on opening day, thanks to the novelty of its 90s-style filmmaking, Retro struggled to retain momentum on Friday.
Day-Wise Box Office Performance
Day 1 (Thursday): ₹19.25 crore
Day 2 (Friday): ₹4.98 crore
Total (2 Days): ₹24.23 crore
A concerning drop of nearly 74% has placed the film under scrutiny. While it opened with high expectations, especially due to Suriya’s massive fan following, the film’s limited appeal in the Hindi belt—only ₹5 lakh on Day 1—has significantly impacted its pan-India potential.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Though visually striking and bolstered by strong performances, the film’s complex narrative structure and retro aesthetics have received mixed feedback. It remains to be seen whether Retro can bounce back with a stronger weekend run, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala where the film still has a loyal audience.
Box Office Clash: How the Three Films Stack Up
| Film | Day 1 Collection | Day 2 Collection | Total (2 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raid 2 | ₹17.85 crore | ₹14.65 crore | ₹32.5 crore |
| Hit 3 | ₹21 crore | ₹7.7 crore | ₹28.7 crore |
| Retro | ₹19.25 crore | ₹4.98 crore | ₹24.23 crore |
Based on the current momentum, Raid 2 appears to have the upper hand in the box office battle due to its mass appeal and a loyal fanbase across all regions. While Hit 3 holds promise in the South market, Retro faces an uphill climb over the weekend.
Can the Weekend Boost Collections for Hit 3 and Retro?
The real test for all three films will be the Saturday and Sunday box office surge, a crucial period that often determines a film’s long-term performance.
Hit 3 stands a strong chance to recover, especially with youth audiences flocking to see Nani in a gritty avatar.
Retro, however, needs more aggressive promotions and stronger word-of-mouth traction to bridge the earnings gap.
In comparison, Raid 2 is poised to remain dominant, thanks to its universal appeal and repeat viewing potential, especially among family audiences and fans of Ajay Devgn’s intense screen presence.
Star Performances Fueling Box Office
Ajay Devgn in Raid 2
Devgn delivers a commanding performance, seamlessly portraying IRS officer Amay Patnaik with a blend of stoicism and moral conviction. His screen presence has once again become a major crowd-puller, reminiscent of his iconic roles in Singham and Drishyam.
Nani in Hit 3
Known for his versatility, Nani brings depth and intensity to the investigative thriller. His performance is being hailed as one of his best in recent times, especially by audiences in Telugu-speaking regions.
Suriya in Retro
While Suriya’s role is charismatic and bold, the film’s experimental narrative has left parts of the audience divided. Still, his dedicated fan following ensures steady footfall in select territories, even amid declining collections.
Final Verdict: What Lies Ahead?
As we move into the critical weekend stretch, the following projections hold:
Raid 2 is expected to surpass ₹50 crore by Sunday evening.
Hit 3 may close the weekend at ₹45–48 crore if Saturday sees an upward trend.
Retro could potentially reach ₹35 crore by Sunday, but the steep Friday drop is a red flag.
The evolving competition between these three films will heavily depend on audience word-of-mouth, weekend occupancy, and regional support in the days to come.
Stay Tuned for Real-Time Updates
We will continue tracking the performance of these three films as they battle it out over the weekend. Expect detailed updates, trade analysis, and final weekend numbers right here.
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