The film Rifle Club, directed by Aashiq Abu, is experiencing a notable surge at the box office, coinciding with the Christmas season. Since its theatrical release on December 19, the action-thriller has managed to attract audience attention, albeit with modest initial figures. Within the first three days, the film's domestic gross saw ups and downs, showcasing the volatility of box office performance against competitive releases.
On its opening day, Rifle Club garnered Rs 1.15 crore. Following the slight dip on the second day, where it made Rs 1.14 crore, the growth trend resumed, and Day 3 saw the film earn Rs 1.23 crore, bringing its total to Rs 3.52 crore by the end of its opening weekend, as per data from industry tracker Sacnilk.
The upcoming days are expected to boost the film’s performance even more, especially with the festive spirit surrounding Christmas. The competition from several other films, primarily Marco starring Unni Mukundan, can actually lend visibility to Rifle Club, provided audience preferences tilt toward its offering. While Marco, rated A for mature audiences, has already registered impressive earnings of over Rs 8 crore within its first two days, its dark comedy themes might divert potential viewers. Nevertheless, this competition signifies choices for moviegoers, and those seeking lighter action thrills may be drawn to Rifle Club instead.
With the holiday season marking the release of significant films, including the upcoming Barroz, which will also screen in 3D, Rifle Club won't face reduced screening opportunities. This means both films could share screens simultaneously as their audiences may differ based on themes and presentation.
One key strength of Rifle Club lies not only within its screenplay but also Aashiq Abu’s dual role as the filmmaker and cinematographer, contributing significantly to the film’s aesthetic. With under two hours of runtime, it attracts audiences seeking both humor and strategic action, making it accessible even for those who might shy away from heavier or more violent fare.
The film's shifting numbers encapsulate the unpredictability of the box office, wherein early reviews and direct competition play major roles. Given the anticipation surrounding the Christmas week, audiences can likely expect sustained interest as viewers navigate their weekend plans. Whether Rifle Club manages to maintain this momentum or shifts drastically as new films release remains to be seen, with many factors influencing its course.
The latest reports suggest possibilities of heightened box office returns as Christmas approaches. If the initial traction flows positively, and with the aid of holiday-goers searching for entertainment, Rifle Club may soon scale new heights within the Kerala box office.
