Bahubali 2, Dangal overseas box office collection: Here is a lesson for Indian filmmakers

Bahubali 2 and Dangal have made historic collections at the overseas box office. The massive success of the films is a forcing rethink on the part of Indian filmmakers who make metro-centric movies.

The SS Rajamouli-directed historical fiction film was released in over 40 international markets on April 28 and has received stupendous response everywhere. Bahubali 2 is estimated to have collected over Rs. 250 crore at the overseas box office in 13 days and is now inching towards Rs. 300 crore mark.

Meanwhile, the Aamir Khan starrer,  released on December 23, 2016, has already crossed Rs. 300 crore milestone in the international markets. The makers released the film in around 9,000 screens across China on May 5. Dangal has collected $23.04 million (Rs. 148.67 crore) at the China box office in 6 days.

Bahubali 2 and Dangal are high on desi flavour and have struck a chord with audience in various international markets. This stupendous response is an eye-opener for many Indian filmmakers, who feel only metro-centric movies will make it big in the international arena. 

Sunny Deol has recently tweeted: "Bahubali 2- proves that one should dare to dream! Indian emotions cut across all boundaries. Proud & Congratulations to the team!!"

Taran Adarsh‏, one of the India's leading film trade analysts, echoed similar sentiments. He tweeted: "Most people ignore the contribution from international markets, but this is an EYEOPENER: Indian films are broadening their horizons... Two films in particular are setting new benchmarks Overseas... #Baahubali2 is on a RECORD-SMASHING spree, enjoying a GLORIOUS RUN..."

Taran Adarsh‏ added: "After having a STUPENDOUS run internationally, #Dangal has now taken CHINA by storm, amassing a HUMONGOUS ₹ 123.67 cr in 5 days there... Those who think we need to make metro-centric movies to woo intl audience, think again! #Dangal and #Baahubali2 are desi entertainers!"

However, the Indian filmmakers are now busy analysing the factors that led to the massive success of Bahubali 2 and Dangal. It remains to be seen whether more directors will go the Bahubali/Dangal way.