The Punjabi film PUAADA has taken a good start across East Punjab and Delhi city though collections in East Punjab will be held back due to a limited release. The film has released on around 70 theatres only when normally it would be around 175 in East Punjab. But this second reopening of cinemas post the pandemic is about occupancy at the moment and audiences coming out and this happened with Puaada.

The film sold 2800 tickets at PVR before the release of the film which is comparable to SUFNA (2020, released a month before the lockdown). SUFNA also sold 2800 tickets at PVR before release. Here the figure for PUAADA came without three key properties including the highest collecting cinema for Punjabi films PVR Mohali and also no night shows in Delhi or Chandigarh.

The film saw good footfalls with many national chain multiplexes recording 80-100 audience counts in the morning shows while single screens and non national multiplex chains were even better as they recorded audience counts of 200 and even full houses (on allowed occupancy). There were shows in places like Patiala, Sangrur and Bhagha Purana recording collections of 25-30k which is excellent.

The limited release will hit collections but its likely more theatres will come into play over the weekend and then it could be the film will have collections which can be close to pre pandemic releases which would be a huge result for the first major release. 

The release in Delhi city is normal as the 50% occupancy rule and no night shows is compensated by the film getting more shows as compared to a normal Punjabi release. If the numbers here could get to within 30-35% of a similar pre pandemic release it would be very good and a good sign for Hindi films as it will mean the audience returning in Delhi.

Overall the audience is coming and it remains to be seen where the first day number lands and then where it can over the weekend.