The latest entry in the horror genre, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites', has made a significant impact at the Indian box office, outperforming the highly anticipated Bollywood film 'Baaghi 4'. Released simultaneously on Friday, both films generated considerable public interest, but it was the American horror offering that emerged victorious. Box Office Performance On its opening day, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' grossed an impressive ₹17.5 crore, while 'Baaghi 4', featuring popular actor Tiger Shroff, managed ₹12 crore. The marked difference in revenue has sparked discussion within the industry regarding audience preferences and changing cinematic dynamics. Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta expressed his surprise through social media, reflecting on how the landscape of Indian cinema has shifted dramatically. He noted that in previous decades, it would have been difficult to imagine an English film outperforming a Hindi movie. "Today’s reality - An English horror film does double the business of a mainstream Hindi action film. What changed?" he questioned in a post on X. Industry Concerns Gupta has raised questions about the implications of lower box office numbers for Hindi films, highlighting a growing concern among filmmakers about competition from international productions. In a separate post, he critiqued the continuous flow of action films from Hollywood, emphasising that while Indian audiences seem increasingly captivated by these releases, local stars are sidelined. "Our best action stars are sitting at home clutching unrealistic numbers. Audience, makers, stars - Everyone loses in this scenario," he stated. Moreover, Gupta highlighted promotional strategies being employed by domestic films, including the 'Buy One Get One Free' ticket offer, which was also launched for 'Baaghi 4'. This tactic points to a significant shift in marketing approaches in an attempt to boost sales in a competitive environment. The Conjuring Franchise 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' represents the latest chapter in a franchise that has garnered a loyal following since its inception in 2013. The film features the return of well-known characters played by actors Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who portray paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. The film includes elements from the Warrens’ true case files, expanding its appeal to audiences interested in supernatural phenomena. Set against the backdrop of fear and suspense, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' intertwines themes of faith and courage in the face of malevolent forces. Critics have highlighted the film's ability to provide a comforting distraction from real-world anxieties, a point that resonates with viewers amidst ongoing global uncertainties. Looking Ahead As the competition between Bollywood and Hollywood films continues to evolve, the box office figures for both 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' and 'Baaghi 4' will serve as a crucial indicator of audience trends. Filmmakers and industry stakeholders are likely to keep a close eye on these outcomes as they shape future projects and marketing strategies. In summary, 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' has not only captured the interest of horror enthusiasts but also stirred significant commentary within the Indian film community about changing viewer preferences and industry dynamics.