Spider-Man: No Way Home's theatrical run won't end anytime soon

The Hollywood blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) is continuing to thrive in theatres, despite the rise in COVID-19 across the world. The producers have announced that the film, the 27th in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, will continue to play in cinemas exclusively for at least the next two months as it is best enjoyed as a larger-than-life experience.

Spider-Man: No Way Home has earned $613.2 million at the US box office and over Rs200 crore nett at the Indian box office. Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, the superhero film has already become the highest grosser of 2021 in India, especially since fans are going back to watch it again in theatres.  

Vivek Krishnani, managing director, Sony Pictures Films India, said, “The fact that this is the biggest post-pandemic global hit indicates that audiences are ready to return to theatres if the film in question offers them everything they are looking for. Spider-Man: No Way Home did exactly that. Even though the franchise already had an enviable fan base, the film exceeded everybody's expectations with a staggering star cast, scaled-up breathtaking action and multiple twists that took the fans by complete surprise and took their breath away. The film will hence continue to stay in theatres because it is still attracting die-hard fans for repeated viewings.”

Multiplex chains in India are doing their best to ensure the safety of all movie-goers and are continuing to conform to the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation.

Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures, stated that the winter season was kick-started by Spider-Man: No Way Home, which saw phenomenal advance bookings in India, a day before the worldwide release. "Shows were programmed as early as 4.15 am even on Thursday and were sold out in minutes, which showed the huge craze among Spider-Man fans wanting to watch their favourite superhero on the big screen. The film went on to become the biggest movie post the pandemic at PVR cinemas (sic). We are thankful to our patrons who are responding incredibly with love and enthusiasm by watching the movie in the safe, secure and hygienic environment of our cinemas," he said.

Devang Sampat, CEO of Cinépolis India, said, “Spider-Man: No Way Home has been the biggest grosser for Cinépolis in 2021 and is continuing its successful run in 2022 as well. In fact, the demand for this movie was so strong that we had to open the first day first shows as early as 6 am in some locations. This is a movie made for the big screen and we welcome patrons to come and watch or re-watch this movie at our cinemas. For their safety, Cinépolis enforces all WHO-recommended safety protocols, so that they can enjoy and relax with their loved ones.”

Rajender Singh Jyala, chief programming officer at INOX Leisure Ltd, said, “Fans across India had been looking forward to watching the third part of the Spider-Man franchise, which promised a lot of action and surprises, on the giant screen. We are extremely excited with the response from our guests, right from day one to date. It was heartening to see full houses even for shows beginning at as early as 4 am.”

“Fans from all over the country, from both metro and non-metro circuits, have poured their affection for the film while witnessing the massive aura of a Marvel movie on the giant screen,” Jyala continued. “We are glad that it has not only become the biggest grosser in the country since the pandemic but has also emerged as one of the best-performing Hollywood movies in our history. The outstanding success of Spider-Man: No Way Home underlines the significance of cinema and theatrical runs in the Indian film ecosystem.”

The Hollywood juggernaut will largely proceed unimpeded at the box office as only a handful of Indian films are being released this month.