The release of the highly anticipated space movie Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, faced setbacks in India due to the competing release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh. While the film debuted globally on March 20, it was only available in India starting March 26. Initially, the film generated surprise among fans as it was scheduled for just five shows, a number that later increased to 13 amid calls for more screenings.
Despite being designed for IMAX, the film’s initial exposure was disappointing, with only five IMAX screens allocated across the country. The majority of screens were given to Dhurandhar 2, which premiered on March 19. Many fans expressed dissatisfaction, given the film’s stunning visuals, which are best appreciated on larger screens.
On its opening Thursday, Project Hail Mary was only shown 13 times in the 34 IMAX theatres in India. However, in response to demand, ticket sales were opened for over 60 additional shows the following day, to the delight of eager fans. Some users took to social media to share their excitement, even joking about their spot in the front row for the IMAX experience.
PVR INOX announced the addition of more IMAX screens on Thursday evening. While some fans expressed appreciation for the additional showings, others voiced concerns regarding the scheduling, noting that many screenings were at inconvenient times, such as early morning or late night.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary adapts Andy Weir’s bestselling novel. The narrative follows Ryland Grace, portrayed by Gosling, who awakens on a spaceship with no recollection of how he arrived there. The film also features performances by Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, and Lionel Boyce. Although the film allowed for a late release in India, it faced significant competition from Dhurandhar 2, which has performed strongly at the box office, accumulating over ₹675 crore net.