The highly anticipated sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has had a less-than-stellar start at the box office. The film, which premiered in the United States on October 4th, has generated mixed reactions and failed to match the critical acclaim and box office triumph of its 2019 predecessor.
In India, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ opened strong with ₹5.15 crore net on Gandhi Jayanti, but its performance quickly dwindled. By its fifth day, the film had only managed to collect ₹10.99 crore net, raising concerns about its potential to achieve long-term success in the Indian market.
The film’s global performance has also been underwhelming, despite its release in over 25,000 screens worldwide. The film grossed only $81.1 million in its opening weekend, falling significantly short of the estimated $40-50 million opening needed to justify its hefty budget.
The movie’s underwhelming performance has sparked debate about the reasons behind its lackluster reception. Some experts attribute it to the film’s high budget, which has reportedly doubled compared to its predecessor. Others suggest that the film’s musical direction and the shift away from the gritty, psychological thriller tone of the first film may have alienated some audiences.
While it’s still early to predict the film’s final box office earnings, the initial response suggests that ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ may not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor. It remains to be seen if the film can gain traction in the coming weeks, particularly in markets like Japan and China, where it is set to premiere soon.
The film’s disappointing debut raises questions about the risks involved in big-budget sequels and the evolving landscape of audience preferences in the entertainment industry. Despite the star power and hype surrounding the film, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ has faced an uphill battle in securing a place in the hearts and wallets of moviegoers.
