Brahmastra lifts Bollywood's fortunes, hauls Rs. 75 crores worldwide on Day 1

Ayan Mukerji's fantasy superhero effort Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva has opened to encouraging footfalls across the world. 

The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan, has earned ₹ 75 crore at the global box office on Day 1. Its domestic collection, though not yet officially disclosed, stands at around ₹ 35-38 crores, reports state. 

This is the strongest opening for a Hindi film in recent months (Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha, the last major release, earned a meagre ₹ 12 crore domestically on its first day). Budgeted at an estimated Rs. 410-crore, Brahmastra is the most expensive Hindi film ever made and a sizable bet by backers Dharma Productions. 

The critical response to Brahmastra has been mixed. The film has been praised for its special effects and visual granduer. However, its storytelling, narrative structure and poor dialogue writing have been flagged as weak spots. 

Brahmastra unfolds in the modern day where Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor), a DJ, discovers his higher calling as a celestial superbeing. The film references Hindu mythology and a gamut of supernatural 'astras', or divine weapons.

Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva is playing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. The film is available in 2D, 3D and IMAX formats in theatres. A second part, Brahmastra: Part 2 - Dev, has been teased at the end of the film.