Two distinct films release this Friday – Heropanti 2 and Runway 34. It is in fact good for the industry since they both have altogether different set of audiences. While Heropanti 2 is aiming for the mass audiences at the single screens, especially in the interiors, Runway 34 is for the class audiences who frequent upmarket multiplexes across major centres of the country. That should keep all segments of audiences happy and in turn help the exhibition sector.
Let’s talk about Heropanti 2 first. The film has been made surely during the pandemic and still boasts of big scale treatment, which is rather impressive. There is a lot of action and drama in there with big scale, setting and budget, which is visible courtesy Sajid Nadiadwala. Of course, it is not Baaghi 3, which comes from a huge action franchise, but considering it is sequel to Heropanti which was made at a medium budget, this one has indeed gone to the next level. Considering the kind of advance booking that it has seen so far, the film should start in Rs. 8-10 crores range.
On the other hand, Runway 34, which was earlier titled Mayday, is for that segment of audiences which likes its drama to be intense and verbose. One can expect a lot of dialogue exchange between Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan in this interrogation drama that has its basis in the aviation circle. With several twists that one can expect in this suspense affair, it should be an entertaining ride ahead with Runway 34, which would grow more on the basis of word of mouth. Even if it starts in the Rs. 6-8 crores range, and on the power of multiplex audience, it would be fine enough for Runway 34, which is also directed by Ajay Devgn. Unlike Shivaay, it’s a controlled budget film, which means even if it strikes a lifetime of Rs. 60-70 crores, it would find itself in a profitable zone.
