‘WONDER WOMAN’ Beats ‘BAYWATCH’ In INDIA, PRIYANKA vs GAL GADOT: Priyanka fails to work magic
Two highly anticipated films released in India this weekend. Priyanka Chopra’s Hollywood debut Baywatch and American superhero film Wonder Woman. Chopra’s Hollywood stint Baywatch which also stars Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron in leading roles failed to fare well at the Indian box-office after it tanked at the U.S. box-office. Wonder Woman, however, had an impressive Day 1 in India, just like it did overseas.
Baywatch
What’s it about: The revival of the iconic 90s TV show is an action comedy with lots of beach montages. Lifeguard Mitch Buchannon teams up with Matt Brody was they try and take on a resort owner who pose a threat to the bay.
Who’s in it: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Priyanka Chopra
Why it may work: The film marks our favourite Bollywood export, Priyanka Chopra’s debut in Hollywood. She plays Victoria Leeds, the main antagonist in the film. If that’s not enough to draw you in to watch the film, watch it for Zac Efron’s abs.
Baywatch is directed by Seth Gordon.
Wonder Woman
What’s it about: The DC universe introduces its favourite superhero: Wonder Woman with this film. Wonder Woman or Diana Prince, is blissfully unaware of the events of the real world as she and her tribe live on the island of Themyscira. Everything chances when Diana encounters a stranger on the island, who begs her help in fighting the World War II.
Who’s in it: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, David Thewlis
Why it may work: Wonder Woman is being pegged as DC Universe’s last hope after the failure of Batman Vs Superman and 2016’s Suicide Squad. It is also the first superhero film to be directed by a woman. This plus the fact that Wonder Woman was the only good thing about Batman Vs Superman means that fans are eagerly waiting for the film to release.
Wonder Woman is directed by Patty Jenkins.
Wonder Woman beat Baywatch in India last weekend, but by a much slimmer margin than the worldwide results of both titles may have indicated. In a battle of strong female characters on the big screen, Priyanka Chopra’s debut Hollywood film Baywatch was overpowered by Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman at the Indian box office.
Gal Gadot ruled the box-office in India on Day by grossing 2.50 crore net. Wonder Woman released in English and faired well in evening shows. Overall, the superhero action adventure has made over $100 million worldwide up until now and is largely dominant on the box office both in India and outside.
Baywatch, however, was hugely disappointing. The cliched plot and crass comedy probably couldn’t pull the audiences to the theaters. Baywatch managed to rake in just 1.50 crore even after being released in four languages – Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu. Although the film had a stellar cast with Dwayne Johnson having the ability to enliven any frame, the promotions and publicity could not do its job in India. Baywatch made a total of $28.5 million worldwide.
Wonder Woman, meanwhile, is over performing. Thanks to strong reviews (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), and positive buzz, the film is projected to make approximately $100 million in the US.
