Joaquin Phoenix’s highly anticipated sequel Joker: Folie à Deux has finally hit Indian theaters on October 2nd, 2024, marking a significant release on Gandhi Jayanti. The film, directed by Todd Phillips, sees Phoenix reprise his iconic role as the troubled Arthur Fleck. Paired with Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, the film brings a musical twist to the dark narrative. Despite the initial curiosity, Joker 2 opened to mixed reviews, leaving the audience split. However, the film still managed to collect ₹5 crore on its opening day in India, capitalizing on the mid-week holiday.
A Decent Start Amidst Limited Competition
With the release strategically placed two days ahead of its global debut, Joker 2 benefited from the lack of significant Bollywood competition. The only other contenders were Stree 2, a horror-comedy, and Devara: Part 1, a Telugu action film. Given the relatively calm cinematic landscape, Todd Phillips’ film drew in a decent crowd. While the opening day performance stood at ₹5 crore, a slight dip is anticipated on Thursday due to a working day and the film’s mixed critical reception. However, the weekend shows promise for a resurgence in numbers, as no new Bollywood releases are slated to challenge Joker 2.
Global Expectations Riding High
As Joker 2 prepares for its global release on October 4th, excitement is brewing. The film is expected to perform well internationally, particularly in North America, where Phoenix’s first outing as the Joker broke records. The original Joker film, released in 2019, earned over $1 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. That title was only recently claimed by Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Now, Joker: Folie à Deux aims to replicate, if not surpass, its predecessor’s success at the box office.
Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn: A Fresh Take on the Iconic Character
One of the most talked-about aspects of Joker 2 is Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn. The pop icon brings a unique charm to the character, offering a stark contrast to Margot Robbie’s explosive rendition of Harley in previous DC films. Gaga’s Harley is introduced as “Lee,” a choir singer who catches Arthur’s eye in Arkham Asylum. Their connection, while part of the film’s musical framework, also serves to rekindle Arthur’s descent into madness.
Their chemistry builds the backbone of the narrative, allowing Fleck to transition from a broken man to someone who finds a dangerous purpose once again. While some viewers appreciate the emotional layers Gaga brings to the character, others feel that her performance could have used more of Harley’s wild, chaotic energy.
The Music of Madness
One notable feature of Joker 2 is its bold use of music. As a musical, the film takes several risks, inserting whimsical and haunting performances that reflect Arthur and Harley’s inner turmoil. Though these moments showcase the vocal prowess of both Phoenix and Gaga, some critics argue that the songs don’t significantly move the plot forward, sometimes feeling like a distraction. Still, the soundtrack remains a talking point, adding another layer to the story’s chaotic world.
Will Joker 2 Redeem Itself?
Though the opening day numbers are modest, the film’s fate is far from sealed. With its global release just around the corner, Joker: Folie à Deux has the potential to climb back up the box office ladder, especially if audiences connect with its musical elements and emotional complexity. Whether it surpasses its predecessor’s success or not, Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck will likely leave a lasting impression on viewers. And while Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn may have sparked mixed reactions, her presence adds an intriguing new dimension to the dark world of Gotham.
Also read: https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/joker-folie-a-deux-review-joaquin-phoenix-lady-gaga/
In conclusion, Joker 2 is off to a good start in India, with higher expectations riding on its global release whether it will achieve the monumental success of its predecessor or fall short remains to be seen.
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