The box office race this weekend has offered an intriguing clash of genres and star power, with Rajkummar Rao’s political drama Maalik and David Corenswet’s highly anticipated Superman (3D) going head-to-head. While Superman predictably took the initial lead with a strong opening, Maalik has begun closing the gap, showing early signs of momentum. Meanwhile, the romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan (AKG) has unfortunately failed to make any significant impact.By early afternoon Superman had collected Rs 1.48 crore till 3 PM as per Sacnilk while Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chillar’s Maalik, directed by PUlkit began slow but by 3 PM was closing in the gap as it collected Rs 1.06 crore. Set against a gritty political backdrop, Maalik appears to be resonating with audiences looking for a content-driven experience, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. What makes this close contest more interesting is Maalik’s potential for sustained performance. While superhero films often see a large chunk of their earnings come in the initial weekend, Maalik could benefit from strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. Rao’s nuanced performance and the film’s gripping narrative might help it build momentum in the coming days.In stark contrast, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan starring Vikrant Massey and debutant Shanaya Kapoor has opened to a disappointing Rs 10 lakhs. Despite an emotional storyline and a romantic appeal, the film has struggled to find an audience. Lack of star power, minimal promotions, and competition from two bigger films have severely affected its chances.As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Maalik to see whether it can continue its upward trajectory and challenge Superman in the long run. While Superman still holds the edge, the battle is far from over — and in Indian cinema, content often finds a way to triumph It would be interesting to see if desi hero can outperform a superhero in India.
