Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 emerged as a massive blockbuster in India and broke several domestic box office records after its release in 2024. The film also became a cultural phenomenon across the country, driven by strong audience response and repeat viewership.
However, the film's recent release in Japan has delivered unexpectedly low opening numbers. Pushpa 2 reportedly sold only 886 tickets on its first day. This placed it well below the usual opening benchmarks for major Indian films in the Japanese market.
In contrast, RRR recorded 8,230 admissions on its opening day in Japan. Prabhas' Saaho followed with 6,510 admissions, while Kalki opened with 3,700 admissions. Most other prominent Indian releases crossed 1,000 admissions on day one.
The weak Japanese opening has come as a surprise, especially considering the film's strong performance in India. It suggests that Pushpa 2 may not immediately resonate with Japanese audiences. This could result in a challenging theatrical run ahead.
That said, strong word of mouth could still change the film's fortunes over the weekend. If audiences connect with the film, collections may improve. The coming days will reveal whether Japan embraces Pushpa 2 or signals a gap in cross-market appeal.