In a remarkable showing, Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring Prabhas, has grossed $18.5 million at the North American box office. Despite its impressive performance, the film narrowly missed the $20 million mark.
The movie's earnings place it as the sixth highest-grossing Indian film in North America, surpassing notable hits like Dangal and Padmaavat. However, it did not surpass the $20.5 million record set by Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which remains an unmatched benchmark.
Initially, Kalki 2898 AD showed strong promise with projections suggesting it might reach the $20 million milestone, aided by strategic distribution efforts from Prathyangira Cinemas. The film’s global success, amassing ₹1120+ crores, underscores its wide appeal, but it still falls short of the record set by Rajamouli’s blockbuster.
Looking ahead, industry watchers are eager to see if upcoming releases, including potential sequels like Kalki 2, could challenge Rajamouli’s impressive record. Additionally, anticipation is building for Rajamouli’s next project with Mahesh Babu, which might further shape the landscape of Indian cinema's success in North America.