Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep's highly anticipated action thriller, 'Mark', has made a significant impact at the box office since its release on Thursday. The film, directed by Vijay Karthikeyaa, has registered a total collection of approximately Rs 15.05 crore in its first three days, according to early estimates from trade sources.
Steady Box Office Performance
The film opened on a strong note, minting an impressive Rs 8.6 crore on its first day. While the second day witnessed a dip with collections of around Rs 3.2 crore, the movie managed to hold steady on Saturday, its third day, adding another Rs 3.25 crore to its kitty. This consistent performance indicates sustained audience interest, particularly over the weekend.
Theatrical Occupancy and Clash
'Mark' recorded an overall Kannada occupancy of 41.07% on Saturday. The viewership showed a positive trend as the day progressed. Morning shows began with a modest 16.7% occupancy, which saw a substantial jump to 46.44% during afternoon screenings. The momentum continued into the evening with 50.22% and peaked during night shows at 51.02%.
The film's release window saw a direct clash with another major Kannada release, '45', starring Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra Rao, and Raj B Shetty, making the box office battle a keenly watched affair in the regional circuit.
Plot, Cast, and Critical Reception
In 'Mark', Kichcha Sudeep essays the role of a suspended police officer entangled in three interlinked narratives. The plot thrusts him into a high-stakes mission to rescue 18 kidnapped children. Simultaneously, he confronts a gangster feud led by Bhadra, played by Naveen Chandra, and navigates a political power grab orchestrated by Adikeshava, portrayed by Shine Tom Chacko.
The supporting cast includes notable names like Yogi Babu, Nishvika Naidu, Guru Somasundaram, and Roshni Prakash. The film's background score and music are composed by Ajaneesh B Loknath.
An early review describes 'Mark' as a mass entertainer with class elements, praising its making, performances, and technical values. However, it notes that the narrative faces challenges due to uneven pacing and a script that could have been tighter. Despite this, the review concludes that the film delivers a watchable, star-driven experience for Sudeep's fans and enthusiasts of stylised action thrillers.
The coming days will be crucial to see if 'Mark' can maintain its momentum and solidify its position at the box office amidst competition and word-of-mouth.