‘Asura’ expected to draw big crowds

Directed by Kim Sung-soo, “Asura: The City of Madness” is predicted to become a blockbuster hit this fall.

Nearly 250,000 people had reserved tickets for the movie in advance of its Wednesday release, with estimated ticket sales of over 1.6 billion won ($1.46 million), according to data from the Korean Film Council as of Wednesday morning.

The recent summer blockbuster “Train to Busan” currently holds the record for the highest number of pre-sale reservations, with over 320,000 pre-sold ticket. 

Crime thriller “Asura” is expected to dethrone “The Age of Shadows” -- which surpassed 7 million viewers Tuesday -- from its current top spot at the local box office, according to industry watchers.

Starring actors Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung and Kwak Do-won, “Asura” depicts the dark reality of modern-day politics and law enforcement.

Meanwhile, both “Asura” and “The Age of Shadows” are scheduled to be screened at the 11th annual Korean Film Festival in Paris, which will take place in the French city from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1.

By Kim Yu-young (ivykim@heraldcorp.com)