Barbie vs Oppenheimer Indian box office update: Here’s who is winning the first day race!

On July 21, 2023, two of the most awaited Hollywood films of the year clashed at the box office: Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, and Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy. Both films had generated a lot of buzz among the Indian audience, with advance bookings exceeding predictions. However, as the opening day numbers came in, it was clear that Oppenheimer had a comfortable lead over Barbie.

According to trade experts, Oppenheimer collected around Rs 12-14 crore on its first day, while Barbie managed to earn only Rs 4-6 crore. However, the official numbers are not out yet, Christopher Nolan's film is leading the race. 

The reasons for this disparity are manifold. Firstly, Oppenheimer had a wider release than Barbie, with more screens and shows across the country. Secondly, Oppenheimer had the advantage of being a Christopher Nolan film, whose previous works like Inception, Interstellar and Dunkirk have a huge fan following in India. Thirdly, Oppenheimer had a more appealing genre and plot than Barbie.

While both films received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, it seems that Oppenheimer has won the box office race in India. However, this does not mean that Barbie is a flop. The film has performed well in other markets, especially in the US and Europe, where it has received accolades for its feminist message and Robbie's performance. Moreover, Barbie has a lower budget than Oppenheimer, which means it can recover its costs more easily. Both films are expected to have a long run in theatres, as they cater to different segments of viewers.

Official numbers awaited.