Prabhas' cult classic Darling has made a grand return to theatres after 16 years, and the response has been nothing short of a festival. From packed cinema halls in Hyderabad to viral street celebrations, fans are turning the re-release into a full-blown event. The film has set a new pre-opening record, with advance bookings crossing 1.5 lakh tickets, outpacing even Prabhas' own blockbuster Salaar in pre-sales.
Record-Breaking Advance Bookings
According to trade sources, Darling has sold over 1.5 lakh tickets in advance across India, a feat that surpasses the pre-sales of Salaar, which had set a high benchmark earlier. Social media is flooded with reactions like “RAMPAGE Bookings All Over” and “#Prabhas euphoria grips Hyderabad,” as fans celebrate the film's return.
Festive Atmosphere in Theatres
Cinema halls in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana have witnessed unprecedented crowds, with fans dancing to the film's iconic songs and recreating scenes. The re-release has turned into a cultural event, with many comparing the frenzy to a festival. Prabhas' stardom, combined with nostalgia for the 2010 romantic comedy, has driven this massive response.
Darling, originally released in 2010, was a major hit in Prabhas' career and remains a fan favorite. The re-release comes as part of a trend where classic films are being brought back to theatres to cater to nostalgic audiences. However, the scale of Darling's success has surprised even industry insiders.
Comparison with Salaar
Salaar, released in 2023, had set impressive pre-sales records, but Darling's re-release has now eclipsed those numbers. This achievement highlights Prabhas' enduring popularity and the power of nostalgia in the film industry. Trade analysts note that the re-release strategy has worked exceptionally well for Darling, proving that the film's charm remains intact after 16 years.
With such a strong start, Darling is expected to have a successful run in theatres, potentially inspiring more re-releases of classic films. For now, Prabhas fans are celebrating the return of their favorite film, and the buzz shows no signs of slowing down.
