Indian cinema has made its mark in the specialty box office this weekend, with a trio of films leading the way. One standout film is “Leo: Bloody Sweet,” which debuted at number 8 and garnered impressive numbers. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the Tamil-language thriller opened in 720 locations and raked in a hefty weekend debut of $2.14 million. Its domestic cumulative total reached $4.68 million by Sunday. This film has been generating buzz in major cities like Toronto, Seattle, Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, New York, and Montreal. “Leo: Bloody Sweet” marks the latest success for Indian films in the US, following the release of “Jawan” last month, which grossed $7.56 million in total. Fans are particularly excited about the collaboration between Kanagaraj and star Thalapathy Vijay, as it is the latest installment of what’s being called Lokesh’s Cinematic Universe.
Fathom Events also contributed to the specialty box office with two re-releases that delighted audiences across the country. The Saturday re-release of the beloved film “Back to the Future” earned an impressive $739,915 in 988 theaters. This nostalgic journey through time captivated both old and new fans alike. Additionally, the Met Opera event featuring “Dead Man Walking” brought in $472,683 at 720 locations, proving that there is a strong demand for live performances on the big screen.
While Indian films and Fathom Events made a big splash, indie films also showcased their strength in the specialty box office. Sony Pictures Classics’ “The Persian Version” opened to positive reception, grossing $87,372 on just nine screens, with an impressive per screen average of $9,708. Justine Triet’s Cannes Palme d’Or-winning film “Anatomy Of A Fall” continued its success in its second week, earning $154,399 on 14 screens, with a per theater average of $11,000 and a cumulative total of $333,891. A24’s R-rated comedy “Dicks: The Musical” expanded nationwide, bringing in $377,653 on 345 screens, with a cumulative total of $826,387. These independent films prove that there is still a strong demand for unique and thought-provoking stories.
Utopia’s presentation of the award-winning documentary “Another Body” grossed $7,761 in its opening weekend at the IFC Center in New York. This film has also gained recognition on AppleTV, currently holding the number two spot in overall documentaries. It will expand to more markets on October 27th, spreading its impact even further. Additionally, Utopia’s “Divinity” grossed $10,000 in New York and had limited shows at the American Cinematheque’s Los Feliz and Aero theaters. Abramorama’s documentary “Full Circle” earned $1,654 in its first week at a single NYC theater. These indie successes showcase the power of unique storytelling and dedicated audiences.
The specialty box office is a space where films that may not have the widest release find success and recognition. This weekend saw a trio of Indian films making their mark, with “Leo: Bloody Sweet” leading the way. Fathom Events brought back beloved classics, and indie films showcased their strength. The diversity and variety within the specialty box office are a testament to the power of cinema to connect with audiences on different levels. It is a space where new voices are heard, and innovative storytelling thrives. As audiences continue to seek out unique and engaging films, the specialty box office will remain an essential part of the cinematic landscape.