This International Labour Day, the Indian box office witnessed a high-voltage clash as three much-anticipated films—Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, Suriya’s HIT 3, and Nani’s Retro—hit theatres with impressive advance bookings and massive fanfare. With star power, gripping trailers, and loyal fan bases driving momentum, all three films stormed into cinemas, making May 1 a major date in the 2025 film calendar.
The cinematic clash brought together three of India’s most bankable actors—Ajay Devgn, known for his intense action roles and patriotic dramas; Suriya, the Tamil superstar with a massive pan-India following; and Nani, who continues to charm audiences with his unique blend of emotional storytelling and commercial appeal.
Each film carries distinct appeal. Raid 2, a sequel to the 2018 hit, dives deeper into high-stakes corruption busting, with Devgn reprising his role as the no-nonsense income tax officer. HIT 3, the latest chapter in the celebrated investigative thriller franchise, sees Suriya don the role of a brooding cop unraveling a complex web of crime and deceit. Meanwhile, Retro brings a fresh narrative style, with Nani leading a story that blends nostalgia, romance, and drama in a stylized 1980s setting.
Ahead of their release, all three films saw explosive advance booking numbers, especially in urban centres and single-screen theatres across South India and the Hindi belt. Trade analysts noted that Labour Day holiday timing played a crucial role, with audiences eager to spend the mid-week break at the movies.
Raid 2 reportedly saw strong pre-release traction in North Indian cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Mumbai, while HIT 3 dominated advance sales in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Retro, meanwhile, struck a chord with family audiences and younger viewers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and even overseas Telugu markets.
Fan clubs and social media platforms lit up with buzz in the days leading up to the release. From midnight shows and early morning screenings to viral hashtags and promotional events, the energy was palpable. Cinema halls in several cities reported sold-out shows, especially in premium formats like IMAX and 4DX, underscoring the strong demand.
The Labour Day holiday provided the perfect window for this triple release, offering a box office opportunity similar to festive periods. The films were released with wide screens and a strategic marketing push aimed at maximizing their first-week performance.
While official collection figures are yet to be released, early indications suggest a strong opening for all three films, with some territories witnessing near houseful shows. Industry insiders believe that this clash, while competitive, has helped revive the post-summer box office by drawing diverse audience segments—action lovers, mystery enthusiasts, and drama fans alike.
The coming weekend will be crucial in determining which film pulls ahead. Much will depend on word-of-mouth, critical reception, and audience retention beyond the initial hype. However, one thing is clear: with Raid 2, HIT 3, and Retro setting the screen ablaze, cinema lovers are in for a thrilling ride.
