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Marvel Studios' latest ensemble film, Thunderbolts*, premiered in India on May 1, 2025, a day prior to its US release, drawing enthusiastic audiences to early morning screenings across the country.
The film, featuring a team of antiheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was released in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, catering to India's diverse audience.
Early Morning Screenings Witness High Turnout
Cinemas in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai reported full houses for early morning shows, some starting as early as 7 AM.
The advance bookings indicated strong anticipation among fans, with many theatres adding extra shows to meet the demand..
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Thunderbolts* has garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an 89% approval rating based on 150 reviews, with the consensus praising its ensemble cast and return to the MCU's adventurous roots.
“At its best, the visualisation of this part of Thunderbolts* feels like something relatively new and vivid,” wrote Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune. Julian Lytle of The Beat reviewed the Thunderbolts* by writing that it “has some outstanding fight choreography and scenes, a solid story, and a fun new team added to the MCU.”
Meanwhile, critics highlighted Florence Pugh's performance as Yelena Belova, noting her emotional depth and charisma. David Harbour's portrayal of Red Guardian and Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes have also received commendations for adding complexity to their characters.
Notably, the film's exploration of themes such as trauma, redemption, and identity has been noted as a refreshing departure from typical superhero narratives.
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Box Office Projections and Market Performance
While official box office figures for India are yet to be released, industry analysts project a strong opening weekend, bolstered by the film's early release and positive word-of-mouth. Internationally, Thunderbolts* is expected to earn between USD 160 million to USD 175 million globally in its opening weekend.
In India, the film's performance is anticipated to be robust in metropolitan areas, where the MCU has a substantial fan base. The availability of the film in regional languages is also expected to enhance its reach in non-metropolitan regions.
