Mumbai: Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the highest-grossing Hollywood film in India, surpassing Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), which previously held the record, according to data from box office research firm Sacnilk. The film collected ₹407 crore till Sunday evening in India, Sacnilk data showed.Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) had a lifetime collection of ₹391 crore in India.Given sustained audience interest, the entertaining and cinematic-universe-expanding elements in its plot, and the lack of competition, the film is estimated to record a lifetime collection of at least ₹450 crore in India over the next seven days, said exhibitors, producers, distributors and film trade analysts to ET.A factor that triggered huge audience interest before the film's release was aggressive marketing by its makers. Sony Pictures consistently released behind-the-scenes videos that revealed to audiences that the film was shot on location using real effects and not just technology. These videos boosted audience interest, said exhibitors. "Sony Pictures' marketing team created a strong sense of curiosity and excitement among audiences. Then, there is the multi-generational resonance of the Spider-Man character, which contributed to the film's huge success," said Devang Sampat, MD, Cinepolis India. Besides consistent marketing, audiences said the film is arguably a more accessible Spider-Man experience than recent Spider-Man films. They said one does not need to remember every Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or multiverse character to follow and enjoy it. They said the film scores well on action set pieces and delivers a visually engaging theatrical experience."Film lays the groundwork for the next chapter of the MCU. Peter has the powers, the suit, the responsibility, the city and the mission. But essentially no personal life. This brings audiences to the point of what it means for Peter Parker to live as Spider-Man," says Swapnil Rawal, a communications professional and MCU fan.This rediscovery of the spirit of Spider-Man in the film has enthused producers. They estimate that the film can easily collect ₹500 crore in the next seven days given the lack of competition in theatres. "Audiences have rediscovered the spirit of the Spider-Man character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day," noted Suniel Wadhwa, co-founder and director, Karmic Films. "It has become a pan-India franchise. It will garner the ₹500-crore gross milestone in the coming days," observed Wadhwa.