The Tunnel, a highly anticipated war film, has made a powerful impact at the box office, grossing nearly 2 million USD on its debut despite a two-day delay due to national mourning. The historical film, directed by Bui Thac Chuyen, earned a remarkable 50 billion VND (approximately 1.98 million USD) on its first official release day, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Vietnamese cinema.
Originally scheduled to premiere on April 4, The Tunnel was postponed due to a two-day mourning period. It officially launched on April 6, and by 2:00 p.m. that day, the film had already grossed 50 billion VND, a figure that included early screenings held on April 2 and 3, along with pre-sale tickets. This impressive debut came on the heels of its pre-sale success, with the film securing 60,000 tickets before its official release—an unprecedented milestone for a Vietnamese historical film.
The film’s momentum is fueled by widespread critical acclaim and enthusiastic viewer reactions. With word-of-mouth promotion and a timely release during the Hung Kings’ holiday, cinemas have been operating at full capacity to meet demand. On April 6 alone, The Tunnel was screened more than 5,000 times, setting a new record for local historical dramas.
Produced with a budget of 55 billion VND (roughly 2.18 million USD), The Tunnel is projected to exceed 100 billion VND (around 3.96 million USD) within days. With ticket sales continuing to soar, the film is expected to dominate Vietnamese theaters throughout April, particularly as the country prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reunification.
Much like the success of Peach, Pho, and Piano earlier in 2024, The Tunnel has reinvigorated interest in local cinema, signaling a resurgence of historical films in Vietnam. Moviegoers have reported difficulties securing tickets, with most showtimes sold out. As demand remains high, those hoping to secure premium seats are urged to act fast.
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