Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 has finally landed in Indian theaters, and if early estimates are any indication, Ethan Hunt’s latest death-defying adventure is off to a roaring start. The film, which marks Cruise’s return to the franchise after a brief hiatus, is projected to rake in ₹17 crore on its opening Saturday, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking weekend.
But how does this compare to Dead Reckoning Part 1’s debut? And can it hold its own against Bollywood’s recent blockbusters like Fighter and Salaar? From multiplex dominance in metros to surprising regional appeal, we break down the numbers, audience reactions, and what this means for Hollywood’s foothold in India’s ever-competitive box office landscape.
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A Franchise Reborn: Why Mission: Impossible 8 Is Defying Expectations
When Dead Reckoning Part 1 hit theaters last year, it opened to ₹12.5 crore—a strong start, but one dampened by competition from Oppenheimer and Barbie. This time, Mission: Impossible 8 faces no such hurdles. With no major Bollywood releases clashing, Cruise’s latest has monopolized premium screens, particularly IMAX and 4DX, where ticket prices soar to ₹1,200+ in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh notes, “The lack of competition and Cruise’s star power have created the perfect storm.”
Early trends suggest 65% occupancy in metros, with evening shows nearly sold out. But the real surprise? Strong numbers in Tier 2 cities like Pune and Ahmedabad, where Hollywood tentpoles typically underperform. “Action transcends language,” says exhibitor Akshaye Rathi. “Cruise’s stunts are a universal draw.”
The Bollywood Factor: How MI8 Stacks Up Against Local Giants
While ₹17 crore is impressive for a Hollywood film, it pales next to Bollywood’s recent juggernauts. Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, opened at ₹24.6 crore, while Prabhas’ Salaar shattered records with ₹48 crore on Day 1. However, Mission: Impossible 8 has one key advantage: legs. Unlike Bollywood films, which often see sharp drops after the first weekend, Hollywood franchises tend to sustain momentum.
Dead Reckoning grossed ₹95 crore in India despite its modest opening—a trajectory MI8 could replicate if word-of-mouth stays strong. The film’s 4.5/5 ratings on BookMyShow (higher than Part 1’s 4.2) suggest audiences are loving it. “Hollywood films don’t open as big, but they last longer,” explains trade expert Girish Johar. “This could cross ₹150 crore if it holds.”
The X-Factor: Why Tom Cruise Still Rules in India
At 61, Tom Cruise remains one of the few Hollywood stars with name recognition in small-town India. From Top Gun: Maverick’s *₹200 crore+ haul to Mission: Impossible’s enduring appeal, his brand of practical stunts and old-school heroism resonates deeply. Social media is abuzz with clips of MI8’s most jaw-dropping sequence—a 15-minute motorcycle chase filmed on Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link (a nod to Indian audiences). “Cruise’s commitment to doing his own stunts gives him an authenticity our stars lack,” says film critic Rajeev Masand. Even Bollywood A-listers are taking notice; Shah Rukh Khan recently called Cruise “the gold standard of global action.”
Box Office Breakdown: MI8 vs. Dead Reckoning vs. Bollywood
| Film | Opening Day (₹ Cr) | Final India Gross (₹ Cr) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission: Impossible 8 | 17 (est.) | 150+ (projected) | Strong legs expected |
| Dead Reckoning Part 1 | 12.5 | 95 | Solid, but overshadowed |
| Fighter | 24.6 | 220 | Bollywood’s aerial hit |
| Salaar | 48 | 600+ | Pan-India monster |
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Review: Tom Cruise Unlocks A Relentless Action and jaw-dropping finale
FAQs
Q: Will Mission: Impossible 8 beat Top Gun: Maverick’s India record?
A: Unlikely—Maverick made ₹200 crore+, but MI8 could come close if it sustains momentum.
Q: Why is MI8 performing better than Part 1?
A: No Barbenheimer clash, better screens, and Cruise’s Top Gun goodwill.
