Laila Majnu, the 2018 romantic drama directed by Sajid Ali and starring Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary, has made a remarkable comeback at the box office with its recent re-release. The film, which initially struggled to find success during its original run, has now surpassed its lifetime collections in a matter of just 4 days, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood re-releases.
A Promising Start
The re-release of Laila Majnu began on August 9, 2024, coinciding with National Cinema Lovers Day. Despite the low ticket prices, the film managed to garner a respectable ₹30 lakh on its opening day. However, it was the following day that truly set the box office ablaze, as Laila Majnu witnessed a staggering 110% jump in collections, raking in ₹70 lakh on Saturday.
Crossing the ₹1 Crore Mark
The two-day total for Laila Majnu stood at a remarkable ₹1 crore, and with pre-sales indicating another spike in business on Sunday, the film was poised to set new records. True to expectations, the film crossed the ₹1 crore mark on its third day, with the opening weekend collections estimated to be around ₹2 crore.
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Surpassing the Original Run
Laila Majnu’s original run in 2018 had a lifetime collection of just ₹2.18 crore. However, the re-release has already surpassed this figure in a mere 4 days, with the film earning ₹2.65 crore as of Monday. This feat is particularly impressive considering the film’s initial struggle to find an audience during its first release.
A Rare Feat in Bollywood
The success of Laila Majnu’s re-release is a rare occurrence in Bollywood. Very few critically acclaimed films get a second chance to succeed at the box office after a disappointing initial release. The film’s ability to captivate audiences and surpass its original run is a testament to its enduring appeal and the power of word-of-mouth.
The Impact on Lead Actors
The success of Laila Majnu has also had a significant impact on its lead actors, Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary. The film has helped establish them as bankable streaming stars, with Dimri appearing in hits like Bulbbul and Qala, while Tiwary has scored recent box office successes with Animal and Madgaon Express.
The Road Ahead
With the much-awaited sequels of Stree and Khel Khel Mein set to release on August 15, 2024, Laila Majnu has a limited window to capitalize on its success. However, the film’s strong performance suggests that it could return to cinemas once the initial hype surrounding the new releases settles down.
The Imtiaz Ali Connection
Laila Majnu is not the only Imtiaz Ali film to find success through re-releases. His 2011 musical Rockstar has been maintaining a strong hold at the box office for weeks, while his 2009 directorial Love Aaj Kal is also currently playing in cinemas. This suggests that Ali’s films have a unique ability to connect with audiences over time, making them prime candidates for successful re-releases.
The Cult Following
One of the key factors behind Laila Majnu’s resurgence is the cult following it has developed since its streaming release on ZEE5 in 2018. The film’s ability to captivate audiences through its modern adaptation of the classic folklore, coupled with its strong performances and memorable music, has helped it gain a dedicated fan base over the years.
Conclusion
Laila Majnu’s re-release has not only shattered box office records but has also proven that a well-crafted film can find success even after an initial setback. The film’s ability to connect with audiences and surpass its original run in just 4 days is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic tales. As Bollywood continues to explore the potential of re-releases, Laila Majnu stands as a shining example of how a second chance can lead to unexpected triumphs.
