The latest romantic drama Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, hit the big screens on February 7th. While the film garnered positive responses and performed well at the box office, it did not quite reach the anticipated benchmarks. Industry experts believe that the choice of release date played a crucial role in its overall earnings.
A Poorly Timed Release Date
Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, Thandel faced tough competition and lacked the advantage of a strategic release window. The film’s first weekend did not bring any significant boost, and with the Shivaratri holiday falling in the third week—far from its release date—the movie missed a prime opportunity to capitalize on festive crowds.
How a Better Release Date Could Have Boosted Collections
Had Thandel opted for a summer release or even arrived a few days later on February 13th, it could have reaped the benefits of Valentine’s Day. A February 13th release would have provided an extended four-day weekend, significantly boosting the opening numbers. Furthermore, with the Shivaratri holiday landing in the second week instead of the third, the film could have sustained its momentum longer, potentially leading to a stronger box office run.
Despite a stellar first weekend, Thandel did not experience a drastic drop, nor did it sustain its initial momentum entirely. Instead, it maintained a steady but moderate hold at the box office. Had the film been released on February 13th, it would have likely crossed the coveted ₹100 crore mark by its second weekend.
A Strong Performer, But Room for More
While Thandel has undoubtedly been successful, a different release strategy could have maximized its earnings. As of now, the film has collected close to ₹85 crore. To reach the ₹100 crore milestone, it will require a sustained run over the next week. Given the film’s positive word-of-mouth and steady audience turnout, achieving this feat remains a possibility. However, a better-timed release could have secured this milestone much sooner and with greater ease.