Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: Part One has stormed North America with the biggest previews ever for a Bollywood film — and it’s not just a number, it’s a statement. Two million dollars in opening-day takings across the US and Canada, with 1.65 million from the US alone, marks a seismic shift in how Indian cinema is being received beyond borders.

The film’s debut in Australia, 500K AUD, adds to the momentum, making it the fourth-biggest Hindi film opener Down Under. That’s behind Dhurandhar 2, Pathaan, and Animal, but still a massive leap for a mythological epic. No small feat. Not even close.

And yet, the real test begins now: will the hype hold through Diwali weekend? The film’s domestic run hinges on Laxmi Puja collections, which could push it into uncharted territory. SS Rajamouli was spotted at an AMB screening, not a sign of endorsement, but a signal that the industry is watching.

The numbers are preliminary, yes. Pinkvilla cautions they’re trade estimates, not certified figures. But when a film opens with this kind of energy, the question isn’t whether it’ll break records, it’s how many. And who’s next?