The Conjuring: Last Rites – Rs 18 Crore India Opening Shatters Records

Hollywood horror fans in India had reason to celebrate as “The Conjuring: Last Rites”, starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, delivered a staggering Rs 18 crore opening day net, breaking all previous franchise records and setting a new benchmark for Hollywood horror releases in the country.

Record-Breaking Opening Day

On its first day, the film earned an estimated Rs 18 crore net across multiple languages, surpassing Bollywood releases like Baaghi 4 and The Bengal Files. The gross collection for Day 1 reached roughly Rs 21 crore, highlighting strong audience demand across India. According to Koimoi, this marks one of the biggest Hollywood horror openings in India post-pandemic.

The film’s massive launch proves that Indian audiences are willing to embrace international content when it’s well-localized and widely accessible. Horror enthusiasts, particularly in metro cities and tier-2 towns, flocked to theaters to witness the final chapter of Ed and Lorraine Warren on the big screen.

Screens and Occupancy Details

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” released on over 2,200 screens nationwide, a rare feat for a Hollywood horror film. Occupancy rates reflected the enthusiasm of audiences:

• English 2D shows: Average 61.10% occupancy, peaking at 78% for night shows.
• Hindi-dubbed versions: Overall 49.61% occupancy across formats.
• Premium formats (4DX): Up to 91% occupancy, indicating high appeal among urban multiplex-goers.

This performance shows that premium formats and multilingual releases can greatly enhance box office results for international films in India. According to Hindustan Times, the strong turnout also highlights the growing influence of franchise loyalty among audiences.

Franchise Legacy and Audience Buzz

The enduring popularity of The Conjuring franchise contributed heavily to the film’s success. With “Last Rites” considered the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren, anticipation was sky-high. Despite mixed critical reviews, the franchise’s legacy drove massive footfalls in metro cities and tier-2 towns alike.

Historical Opening Day Comparison in India

The comparison highlights the steady growth of the franchise in India, reflecting both increased screen count and the popularity of Hollywood horror films among Indian audiences.

Global Box Office Performance

While India has delivered record-breaking numbers, The Conjuring: Last Rites is also performing strongly on the global stage. According to Indian Express, the film is eyeing a $115 million worldwide opening weekend, placing it among the top global debuts for horror films.

The franchise has always had strong international pull, with The Nun (2018) grossing over $365 million worldwide. Early trends suggest Last Rites may challenge or even surpass that milestone if momentum continues across North America, Europe, and Asian markets. This global success demonstrates how horror, when paired with franchise familiarity, can rival big-budget superhero and action blockbusters.

Audience Buzz and Social Media Reactions

Another factor fueling the film’s momentum is the intense audience buzz on social media. Fans took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share reviews, reactions, and even live videos of packed late-night shows. Many called it the “scariest chapter yet”, while others highlighted the emotional impact of seeing the Warrens’ story come to a close.

Movie forums and communities on Reddit are filled with discussions comparing Last Rites to earlier entries like The Conjuring 2. Influencers and movie reviewers on YouTube have also played a big role in shaping early audience perceptions, with spoiler-free reviews attracting lakhs of views within 24 hours of release.

This positive word-of-mouth is expected to keep occupancy strong over the weekend. As per Times of India, advance bookings for Day 2 and Day 3 already point to sustained demand, especially in metro markets.

Industry Impact and Significance

This historic debut highlights the growing appetite for Hollywood horror franchises in India, especially when localized effectively and released across multiple formats. By setting a new record for the franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites is redefining box office potential for international horror films in the Indian market.

With strong word-of-mouth, high occupancy, and impressive advance bookings, analysts predict continued box office momentum for The Conjuring: Last Rites through its opening weekend and beyond.

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