Ranbir Kapoor’s latest flick, “Animal,” is taking the world by storm, shattering records and claiming its throne as the highest-grossing Indian film in both Canada and Australia. The film’s conquest of these markets marks a watershed moment in Indian cinema’s global dominance, particularly in regions where its resonance has been increasingly felt.
In a stunning display of its box office prowess, “Animal” surged past the reigning champ, “Pathaan,” in a cinematic coup that echoed across both Canadian and Australian theaters. The movie’s meteoric rise is attributed not only to its compelling storyline but also to its resonance with specific cultural communities, particularly the Punjabi diaspora.
In both Canada and Australia, “Animal” struck a chord with audiences, particularly those from the vibrant Punjabi community. The film’s authentic portrayal of Punjabi characters and its mesmerizing musical composition, highlighted by the chart-topping anthem “Arjan Velly,” earned it fervent acclaim globally. The resonance was palpable as “Animal” not only claimed the title of the highest-grossing Indian film in these territories but also outpaced “Gadar 2,” clinching the top spot in mainland Punjab’s Bollywood box office.
The staggering success of “Animal” isn’t merely a triumph for Kapoor’s star power; it’s a testament to the growing influence of Indian cinema in key global markets. Canada, in particular, has witnessed a seismic surge in its appetite for Indian films. The last five years alone have witnessed a threefold expansion of the Indian film market in the country. Notably, eight out of the top ten highest-grossing Indian films in Canada were released this year, with the remaining one hailing from the previous year. The era of “Padmaavat” dominating the Canadian box office back in 2018 with CAD 2.82 million seems a distant memory now, with “Animal” eyeing a staggering CAD 7 million finish. The prospect of an Indian film grossing over CAD 10 million in Canada no longer seems like a far-fetched dream but an impending reality.
Let’s delve into the current top five highest-grossing Indian films in Australia and Canada, a testament to “Animal’s” remarkable ascent:
Australia
- Animal – AUD 4,750,000 (Approximately in 16 days)
- Pathaan – AUD 4,720,991
- Jawan – AUD 4,678,779
- Baahubali: The Conclusion – AUD 4,500,000 (Approximately)
- RRR – AUD 3,598,723
Canada
- Animal – CAD 6,135,000 (Approximately in 16 days)
- Pathaan – CAD 6,054,000
- Jawan – CAD 5,277,000
- Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani – CAD 3,280,000
- Padmaavat – CAD 2,823,000
The staggering heights scaled by “Animal” mark a watershed moment in Indian cinema’s global conquest. Its resonance among diverse audiences, particularly in the vibrant Punjabi community, solidifies its place not just as a box office behemoth but as a cultural phenomenon with an indelible impact on the global cinematic landscape.