Should KGF 2 be re-released in theatres to reclaim its lost spot to RRR at the box-office?

For the patrons of Telugu cinema, the idea of re-releases has allowed them to rewatch their favourite movies and stars on the big screen and also reengage with the characters they have grown up loving. Cult hits like Pokiri, Kushi, Jalsa, Okkadu, Gharana Mogudu, etc. re-arrived in cinema halls not only to enthral the fans but also yield great box office results despite their limited releases.

Box office becomes a valuable parameter in this regard, considering that filmmakers and producers do aspire to make money out of the 're-release' model and perhaps even repair some of the damages caused in the first iteration. Re-releases also serve as placeholders when a particular film industry is experiencing a lull in the form of a lack of sufficient new releases.

So, should Kannada Film Industry be proactively seeking out this concept? In the recent past, we have seen films like Lifeu Ishtene, Dia, Love Mocktail and James hit the big screens again but their releases were considerably limited and ineffective. Dr. Rajkumar's classic film Bangarada Manushya, too, was re-released in theatres in 2022 to celebrate 50 years of its release.

On the other hand, Upendra's Om, starring Shiva Rajkumar and Prema, has been re-released more than 550 times in theatres and has attracted credible footfalls almost every single time.

Should K.G.F: Chapter 2 lead the way?

In this vein, one could see a film like KGF 2 boasting a great chance of trigger-starting the trend of re-releases in Karnataka. Prashanth Neel's film came out in theatres in April 2022 and took the entire world by storm with its sheer audacity and scale. The film recorded close to 2 crore footfall in the Hindi belt and over 75 lakhs in Karnataka alone, becoming a cult favourite within no time.

Considering the fact that the film warrants a big-screen experience, one wouldn't mind revisiting Rocky Bhai's unique world and rekindling the old joys.

RRR overtakes KGF 2 at the box office

Another motivating factor for KGF 2 makers to re-release the film in theatres is the very alluring box office race. KGF 2, by virtue of its stellar performance, had taken the podium place and finished third on the list of all-time highest-grossing Indian films. S.S. Rajamouli's RRR, which stood at fourth, managed to slowly edge out Prashanth Neel's film through its long-sustained theatrical run across the world. The film has collected over Rs. 80 crores in Japan alone and now proudly stands third on this elite list.

Kannada cinema patrons would certainly wish to not see this friendly battle come to an end just as yet. So, should we begin the encore for KGF 2?