The much-anticipated Malayalam action thriller 'Pongala', starring Sreenath Bhasi, has encountered a sluggish start at the domestic box office. The film, which hit theatres recently, has managed to collect a modest sum in its opening days, indicating a struggle to attract large audiences.
Disappointing Box Office Numbers
As per data compiled from industry sources, 'Pongala' collected approximately Rs 12 lakhs on its opening day. The momentum did not pick up on the second day, with the film adding only Rs 11 lakhs to its tally. This brings the total India net collection for the first two days to a mere Rs 25 lakhs. Reports from tracking portals like Sacnilk suggest the film is finding it hard to pull strong crowds into theatres. The worldwide collection figure currently stands at the same Rs 25 lakhs mark.
A Story Inspired by Real Coastal Events
The narrative of 'Pongala' is not a work of pure fiction. Director and writer Binil has drawn inspiration from an actual incident that occurred in the early 2000s along the coastal stretch of the Vypin–Munambam belt. To capture authenticity, the film was extensively shot in the Vypin-Cherai region. Sreenath Bhasi steps into a rugged, action-oriented role, a departure that had generated considerable expectation among his fans and cinephiles.
Mixed Audience and Critical Reception
While Sreenath Bhasi's committed performance has been noted positively, the overall response to the film has been mixed. A review circulating on Twitter encapsulates this divided opinion, stating: "Set in the premise of a fishing harbour, #pongala has a regular tale of betrayal and treachery between two groups. Srinath Bhasi justifies his role as an action hero but the tale is predictable and execution is unimpressive. One may feel gory violence repulsive! 1.8/5."
The technical crew of the film includes cinematographer Jackson, editors Ajaz Pookkadan, and music composer Ranjin Raj. The supporting cast features actors like Yami Sona, Babu Raj, Sudheer Karamana, Sampath Ram, and Alencier Ley in pivotal roles.
The film's future at the box office now hinges on whether word-of-mouth can improve over the weekend. With such a tepid opening, 'Pongala' faces an uphill battle to recover its costs and make a significant mark in the competitive theatrical landscape.
