Theatres across the nation had fallen silent, blanketed by the grim shadows of a pandemic. But amid adversity, director Rohit Shetty's Sooryavanshi emerged as the beacon of hope, reigniting the magic of cinema and breathing life back into the desolate halls. Shetty's blockbuster, Sooryavanshi, not just shattered box office records but also symbolized a triumphant return for cinema after the extended lull caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the film turns two, it's time we reflect upon Shetty's determination and the star power of Akshay Kumar along with Katrina Kaif, Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn (the original Singham) contributed to the revival of the exhibition sector in the wake of unprecedented challenges.
The journey of Sooryavanshi to its resounding success was nothing short of a heroic saga, spanning 19 months, during which Shetty and his team battled against the odds. When the film was first conceptualized, it was slated for release in March 2020. However, the global pandemic hit, leading to the closure of cinemas across the nation. The fate of the film hung in the balance as its release was postponed indefinitely.
Despite the discouraging circumstances, Shetty remained undeterred. He was determined to bring back the magic of cinema to the silver screen. Sooryavanshi was rescheduled, and the team began the arduous journey of promoting the film amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic's course. The challenges did not end there. As a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a release date in March 2021, the second wave of the pandemic swept across the nation, causing another delay. This double blow could have broken the spirit of many in the industry, but not Rohit Shetty. He remained resolute in his belief that cinema was not just a form of entertainment but an experience that could not be easily replicated.
Finally, in November, during the auspicious Diwali weekend, Sooryavanshi made its much-anticipated debut. The response was nothing short of overwhelming, with 50% occupancy, the film went onto mint close to Rs 200 crores at the domestic box office within days of its release. The success of Sooryavanshi was not just a personal achievement for Shetty and Kumar, but a collective triumph for the entire industry.
Also Read: CONFIRMED: Akshay Kumar to reprise his role of Sooryavanshi in Ajay Devgn starrer Singham Again
