Hanu-Man, the Telugu-language superhero film released on January 12, 2024, has been a phenomenal addition to the Indian cinema landscape. Written and directed by Prasanth Varma, the film stars Teja Sajja in the lead role alongside Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Vinay Rai. The movie, produced by Primeshow Entertainment, has successfully brought mythology and the superhero genre together, marking a significant achievement for Telugu cinema.
Hanu-Man Box Office Collection
Hanu-Man has performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Here’s a breakdown of its collections:
Worldwide Collections
- Global Gross: ₹295 crore
- India Gross: ₹238 crore
- Overseas Gross: ₹57 crore
India Net Collection
- Total Net: ₹201.63 crore
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: ₹146.85 crore gross
- Hindi Belt: ₹40.75 crore (Trade Figure), ₹50.76 crore (Producer Figure)
Opening Day and First Week
- Day 1 (including previews): ₹8.9 crore gross worldwide.
- First Week Gross: ₹104.1 crore worldwide.
Performance in Different Markets
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been the primary contributors with ₹146.85 crore.
- The Hindi dubbed version brought in ₹40.75 crore (Trade Figure), showing robust acceptance outside the Telugu-speaking audience.
- Overseas, the movie grossed ₹57 crore, reflecting its global appeal.
Lifetime Estimates
- Hanu-Man has now solidified its position as the 8th highest-grossing Telugu movie of all time and the 23rd highest-grossing South Indian film.
Hanu-Man Day-Wise Box Office Collection (All Languages)
| Day | India Net (₹ Cr) | India Gross (₹ Cr) | Worldwide Gross (₹ Cr) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 (Previews) | 5.00 | 6.00 | 8.90 | Paid previews generated excitement. |
| Day 1 (Friday) | 8.05 | 10.50 | 15.60 | Strong opening with a good Hindi belt response. |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | 12.45 | 14.50 | 20.95 | Growth due to positive word-of-mouth. |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | 16.00 | 19.50 | 28.95 | Peak collections over the first weekend. |
| Day 4 (Monday) | 15.20 | 18.00 | 24.00 | Strong weekday hold, thanks to Sankranti holidays. |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | 13.11 | 16.00 | 20.40 | Consistent performance across regions. |
| Day 6 (Wednesday) | 11.34 | 14.00 | 20.40 | Slight drop, but still strong. |
| Day 7 (Thursday) | 9.50 | 13.00 | 15.00 | End of the first week with ₹104.10 Cr worldwide. |
| Week 1 Total | 89.80 | 111.00 | 140.00 | Massive first-week success. |
| Day 8 (Friday) | 10.05 | 12.50 | 14.25 | Start of Week 2, sustained momentum. |
| Day 9 (Saturday) | 14.60 | 17.50 | 19.10 | Excellent growth in the second weekend. |
| Day 10 (Sunday) | 17.60 | 22.00 | 24.20 | Second weekend peaks; strong Hindi collections. |
| Day 11 (Monday) | 6.95 | 8.50 | 9.70 | Expected weekday drop. |
| Day 12 (Tuesday) | 4.65 | 6.00 | 8.55 | Slow but steady hold. |
| Day 13 (Wednesday) | 3.50 | 5.00 | 7.20 | Collections begin to stabilize. |
| Day 14 (Thursday) | 3.25 | 4.50 | 6.35 | End of the second week with ₹72.40 Cr globally. |
| Week 2 Total | 60.60 | 75.50 | 100.00 | Strong second-week performance. |
| Day 15 (Friday) | 8.10 | 10.50 | 15.80 | The third weekend begins on a high note. |
| Day 16 (Saturday) | 6.51 | 8.50 | 13.00 | Slight dip but holds well. |
| Day 17 (Sunday) | 7.71 | 10.00 | 15.60 | The third weekend ends strong. |
| Day 18 (Monday) | 2.06 | 3.00 | 3.50 | Expected weekday dip. |
| Day 19 (Tuesday) | 2.11 | 3.00 | 3.50 | Stable during weekdays. |
| Day 20 (Wednesday) | 1.91 | 2.50 | 3.20 | Consistent collections. |
| Day 21 (Thursday) | 1.61 | 2.00 | 2.50 | End of third week with ₹36.05 Cr worldwide. |
| Week 3 Total | 30.01 | 40.00 | 60.00 | Decline but still significant earnings. |
| Day 22-28 (Week 4) | 12.67 | 16.00 | 22.00 | Slower pace but stable in select regions. |
| Week 4 Total | 12.67 | 16.00 | 22.00 | Overall slowdown. |
| Day 29-35 (Week 5) | 4.37 | 6.00 | 8.00 | Major decline as movie exits most theatres. |
| Total | ₹201.63 Cr | ₹238.00 Cr | ₹295.00 Cr | Lifetime earnings as of now. |
Analysis
- Hindi Version: Performed well with over ₹50.76 Cr (Producer Figure) due to strong promotion in the North.
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Contributed the most with ₹146.85 Cr gross.
- Overseas: ₹57 Cr gross showcases international appeal.
Hanu-Man is a commercial and critical success, securing its place in Indian cinema history.
Hanu-Man Cast and Crew
The movie features a talented ensemble cast:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Teja Sajja | Hanumanthu / Hanu-Man |
| Amritha Aiyer | Dr. Meenakshi |
| Varalaxmi Sarathkumar | Anjamma |
| Vinay Rai | Michael / Mega Man |
| Samuthirakani | Vibhishana |
| Vennela Kishore | Dr. Sirivennela “Siri” |
Technical Crew
- Director: Prasanth Varma
- Music: GowraHari, Anudeep Dev
- Cinematography: Dasaradhi Sivendra
- Visual Effects: Venkat Kumar Jetty
- Production Designer: Nagendra Tangala
Audience Reviews
Critics’ Take
Hanu-Man has garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative storytelling, impressive visual effects, and solid performances.
- Visual Effects: The VFX is a major highlight, with critics comparing its quality to international standards.
- Prasanth Varma’s Direction: His blend of mythology with modern superhero elements has been widely appreciated.
- Teja Sajja’s Performance: The lead actor has been lauded for portraying a relatable yet powerful superhero.
Audience Feedback
Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their admiration for the film:
- The action sequences and cinematography were described as “breathtaking.”
- Many appreciated the cultural roots embedded in the storyline, making it uniquely Indian yet universally appealing.
- Some viewers noted minor pacing issues in the second half but praised the overall experience.
Box Office Buzz
The Hindi-dubbed version drew substantial attention in North India, with audiences comparing it favorably to Marvel and DC superhero films. Families and younger audiences particularly enjoyed the film’s blend of comedy, drama, and action.
Sequel News: Jai Hanuman
At the end of Hanu-Man, the filmmakers announced a sequel titled Jai Hanuman, leaving fans excited for the next installment in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).
What to Expect in the Sequel
- Focus on Hanuman: The sequel promises to delve deeper into the mythology of Lord Hanuman.
- Bigger Cast: Rumors suggest that prominent actors, including Rishab Shetty and possibly Ram Charan, might join the project.
- Expanded Universe: Director Prasanth Varma aims to introduce new characters inspired by Indian mythology.
Production Updates
- Pre-production for Jai Hanuman has already begun, and the film is expected to have a larger budget compared to its predecessor.
- The movie might explore more complex themes while retaining its family-friendly appeal.
Hanuman OTT Platform and Release Dates
| Platform | Language | OTT Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| JioCinema | Hindi | March 16, 2024 |
| Zee5 | Telugu | March 18, 2024 |
| Disney+ Hotstar | Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada | April 5, 2024 |
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Visual Effects: Advanced CGI has elevated the film to international standards.
- Mythology Meets Modernity: The integration of Hanuman’s mythology into a modern superhero narrative is seamless and innovative.
- Performances: The cast delivers impactful performances, particularly Teja Sajja as the underdog-turned-superhero.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: The second half of the movie slows down slightly, which some viewers found distracting.
- Predictable Plot Twists: While engaging, the narrative follows some conventional superhero tropes.
FAQs About Hanu-Man
Q1: What is the story of Hanu-Man?
A: The movie follows Hanumanthu, a petty thief from the fictional village of Anjanadri, who gains divine powers from a mystical gem linked to Lord Hanuman. He uses these powers to protect his village from the villainous Michael, ultimately transforming into the superhero Hanu-Man.
Q2: How much did Hanu-Man earn at the box office?
A: Hanu-Man grossed ₹295 crore worldwide, including ₹238 crore from India and ₹57 crore from overseas markets.
Q3: Who directed Hanu-Man?
A: The movie was directed by Prasanth Varma, known for blending unique concepts with mainstream cinema.
Q4: Is there a sequel to Hanu-Man?
A: Yes, a sequel titled Jai Hanuman has been announced. The sequel is expected to focus more on Lord Hanuman and introduce new characters.
Q5: How was the audience response to Hanu-Man?
A: Audiences have praised the movie’s visual effects, storytelling, and cultural relevance. The film has been particularly well-received by families and superhero enthusiasts.
Q6: How does Hanu-Man compare to other Indian superhero films?
A: Hanu-Man is regarded as a game-changer for Indian superhero films, setting a new benchmark for visual effects and storytelling.
Q7: What is the runtime of Hanu-Man?
A: The movie has a runtime of 158 minutes.
Q8: What languages is Hanu-Man available in?
A: Apart from Telugu, the movie has been dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Q9: Where can I watch Hanu-Man online?
A: The digital rights of Hanu-Man have been acquired by ZEE5, and the movie premiered on the platform on March 16, 2024.
Q10: What is the budget of Hanu-Man?
A: The exact budget has not been officially disclosed, but the movie is reported to have been made on a moderate budget with significant expenditure on VFX.
Conclusion
Hanu-Man has redefined the Indian superhero genre by blending mythology with modern storytelling. With a strong box office performance, glowing audience reviews, and a promising sequel on the horizon, the movie is poised to leave a lasting legacy. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see what Jai Hanuman has in store!
