Tom Cruise’s latest action-packed thriller Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning has made an impressive start at the Indian box office. The film, which released on a Saturday, opened to Rs 16.5 crore and maintained the same momentum on Sunday, bringing its 2-day total to Rs 33 crore across all languages. This marks a stronger 2-day performance than its predecessor, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, which had collected Rs 21.05 crore over its first two days.

However, it’s important to note the difference in release strategies between the two films. Dead Reckoning Part One hit Indian screens on a Wednesday, a midweek release when footfalls tend to be lower compared to weekends. It had collected Rs 12.3 crore on its opening day followed by Rs 8.75 crore on Thursday.In contrast, The Final Reckoning benefitted from a prime weekend release, traditionally the most lucrative window for cinema business in India. With both its Saturday and Sunday collections locked at Rs 16.5 crore (early estimates for Sunday) as per Sacnilk, the film has capitalised well on the weekend buzz and Tom Cruise’s solid fan following in India.Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One had collected Rs 80.6 crore in its extended weekend and it’s final collection was Rs 110 crore.

While the initial numbers clearly give The Final Reckoning an edge in terms of a 2-day start, the real test will begin once the weekday figures come in. Historically, the Mission: Impossible franchise has shown steady weekday trends owing to its loyal audience base and action-packed appeal.

For now, The Final Reckoning has set the tone with a stronger opening frame, and it remains to be seen if it can sustain the momentum to surpass the lifetime business of Dead Reckoning Part One in India.Both films feature Tom Cruise returning as the iconic Ethan Hunt, alongside a strong supporting cast. The Final Reckoning stars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, Rolf Saxon, and Pom Klementieff — many of whom reprise their roles from the earlier franchises.