As expected, actor Vicky Kaushal’s action film Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) has set a record box office collection of Rs18.75 crore nett in its fifth week. The film, produced by RSVP, had surpassed Baahubali: The Conclusion’s (Hindi) record of Rs13 crore in the first four days of its fifth week.
The film has so far collected a staggering Rs219 crore nett in domestic business. Made at an estimated budget of Rs28 crore, Uri was released on 2,200 screens in India. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is based on the Indian Army’s surgical strike in retaliation against the Uri terror attack of 2016.
While India cheered the Indian Army’s heroic strike in Uri the film, the country has plunged into mourning after the horrific fidayeen attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February. Forty-four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed in the attack.
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As the mood is grim in India, there could impact on cinema business, but given nationalistic sentiments are running high, could it see Uri getting more eyeballs this weekend?
“You could say so, considering there is outrage among the people of India. People are crying for revenge. So, a film like Uri could get an advantage, a few shows may increase,” said trade analyst Atul Mohan.
Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi wasn’t sure whether the terror attack could have any impact on consumer habits.
“I don’t know if something like that would happen. I don’t know how we as Indians are going to respond to a terror attack by watching Uri. I don’t know how this attack will have an impact on the behaviour of the common Indian, except that it has invoked anger in all our minds and hearts. I want to see the sacrifices of our jawans avenge, but I don’t think this has any impact on our consumption habits,” said Rathi.
Earlier, team Uri had severely condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the family of the martyrs and the survivors.
“Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the terror attack in #Pulwama. My heart goes out to the families of the brave CRPF soldiers we lost today and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” tweeted Kaushal.
Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the terror attack in #Pulwama . My heart goes out to the families of the brave CRPF soldiers we lost today and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. ????
— Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) February 14, 2019
Deeply pained by the gruesome #Pulwama attack on the #CRPF convoy. Condolences & strength to the families of the martyrs & my thoughts go out to all those fighting for their lives. We must all unite together in this time of grief & condemn this shameful attack,” said Yami Gautam.
Deeply pained by the gruesome #Pulwama attack on the #CRPF convoy. Condolences & strength to the families of the martyrs & my thoughts go out to all those fighting for their lives. We must all unite together in this time of grief & condemn this shameful attack
— Yami Gautam (@yamigautam) February 15, 2019
Producer Ronnie Screwvala had this to say: “Absolute horrified watching as the casualty count rises at this dastardly attack. Only the strongest of action and sustained counter attack to wipe the threat is called for. And this time we cannot just retaliate but keep the proactive step of sustained offensive [sic].”
Absolute horrified watching as the casualty count rises at this dastardly attack. Only the strongest of action and sustained counter attack to wipe the threat is called for. And this time we cannot just retaliate but keep the proactive step of sustained offensive
— Ronnie Screwvala (@RonnieScrewvala) February 14, 2019
Director Dhar offered his condolences to the martyrs’ families.
“My deepest condolences. May God give immense strength to the family and loved ones of our brave martyrs,” tweeted Dhar.