A24’s drama Sing Sing starring Colman Domingo made a significant impact on the box office, ranking as the third highest limited opening and per screen average of the year. The film, set against the backdrop of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, grossed an impressive $137,119 on just four screens, resulting in a $34.3k PSA. Despite its limited release, the movie garnered rave reviews and achieved a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, the film generated substantial buzz with multiple sold-out Q&As in both New York and Los Angeles. A24 reported that Sing Sing’s exit scores are the highest the distributor has ever recorded. The film is scheduled to remain on four screens in NY and LA throughout July, with plans for a nationwide expansion in August.
Indian cinema continues to make its mark in the global box office, with Indian 2 achieving notable success. The Tamil-language political action thriller, directed by S. Shankar, is a sequel to the 1996 film ‘Indian’. Indian 2 is projected to earn around $1.97 million on 1,065 screens, with impressive previews in North America, where it collected $190k on 44 Imax screens in a single night. This success follows a trend of Indian films performing well, including titles such as sci-fi epic Kalki 2899 AD and romantic comedy Jat & Juliet 3. The presence of Indian films in the international market highlights the growing influence of Indian cinema on a global scale.
Touch, directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur and distributed by Focus Features, also made a promising debut in North America. The well-received film, which boasts a 95% rating with critics on Rotten Tomatoes, opened in 315 theaters and grossed $470k. Touch is a romantic thriller that spans decades and continents, following one man’s emotional journey to find his lost love. The positive reception and box office performance of Touch indicate a strong start for the film and a potentially successful theatrical run.
The indie film landscape saw a variety of releases making their mark over the weekend. Neon’s upscale horror film Longlegs made an impressive $22 million opening, demonstrating the appeal of genre films to audiences. Searchlight Pictures’ Kinds of Kindness, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, grossed $324k in 730 theaters, nearing a total of $4.7 million. This shows the enduring popularity of art-house films with strong performances and critical acclaim. Additionally, other indie releases such as Dandelion, National Anthem, and American’s Burning showcased the diversity of storytelling in independent cinema. These films, with their unique narratives and creative vision, offer audiences a refreshing alternative to mainstream blockbusters.
As the box office landscape continues to evolve, with a mix of blockbusters, indie hits, and international films making waves, audiences can look forward to a diverse range of cinematic experiences. The success of Sing Sing, Indian 2, Touch, and other indie releases underscores the importance of storytelling and creative expression in the film industry. With upcoming nationwide expansions and curated programs, there is a wealth of cinematic content waiting to be explored by audiences around the world. As filmmakers and distributors navigate the ever-changing industry, the box office weekend highlights serve as a reminder of the power of film to captivate, inspire, and entertain audiences of all backgrounds.
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