The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the country's film industry, with several major production houses postponing their releases and hundreds of cinema halls shutting down operations due to restrictions and lockdowns.
The industry saw significant job losses and reluctance of cinema goers even after the easing of restrictions. However, this scenario is changing rapidly with the release of four films which have registered a phenomenal debut and collections across the globe.
Hints of 'Housefull' are reappearing in theaters for the first time since the pandemic broke out. Here are four films that helped the industry return to normalcy.
Valimai
Ajith Kumar-starrer Valimai has set the screens on fire ever since its release on February 24. The film delivers a perfect dose of entertainment and action with punchy dialogues and a captivating story. Apart from Ajith Kumar, the film stars Huma Qureshi, Sumitra and Karthikeya in lead roles and has raked in over Rs 100 crore just three days after its release.
pawankhind
This Marathi film by Digpal Lanjekar has got a great response from the audience. The film released on 18 February and its story kept the audience glued to their seats.
The film revolves around the battle between the Maratha warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Siddi Masood of the Adilshah Sultanate. Actor Chinmay Mandelkar played the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the film.
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi got a bumper opening on the first day of release and also got a lot of praise from the audience. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film has earned more than Rs 50 crore in just five days. The story of the film focuses on Gangubai Kathiawadi who fights for reforms for sex workers.
Bheemla Nayak
Telugu film Bhimla Nayak, which released last week, registered a bumper opening at the box office and earned over Rs 37.15 crore on the first day. The film is a remake of Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum and stars actor Pawan Kalyan in the lead role. Bhimla is directed by Nayak Sagar K Chandra and produced under the banner of Sithara Entertainment.