Here is the breakdown of the box office performance.
Day 1 Collection: ₹8.25 Crore (Net) 💰
Net Collection (India): Approximately ₹8.25 Crore.
Gross Collection (India): Approximately ₹9.90 Crore.
Occupancy: The film recorded an overall occupancy of around 14.86% on Friday, with night shows seeing the highest footfall (approx. 25%).
The Verdict So Far 📊
Better than Recent Past: The opening is stronger than Shahid's recent releases like Deva (₹5.50 Cr), Jersey (₹3.2 Cr), and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (₹6.70 Cr).
Missed Double Digits: However, for a film of this scale and star cast, trade analysts were hoping for a double-digit opening (₹10 Cr+). The "dark thriller" genre—typical of Vishal Bhardwaj—may have limited its initial mass appeal compared to standard commercial entertainers.
The Weekend Outlook 📈
Valentine's Day Boost: Today (Saturday, Feb 14) is crucial. Being Valentine's Day, the film is expected to see a significant jump in footfall, especially among couples, despite its darker, tragic tone.
Word of Mouth: Reviews are mixed. While critics are praising Shahid's "lethal" performance and his chemistry with Triptii Dimri, some have found the film's narrative "excessive." The film needs to cross the ₹25-28 Crore mark by Sunday night to be in a safe zone.
SantaBanta Verdict:
It is not a blockbuster opening like Kabir Singh, but it is a respectable foundation. With Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia's roles also drawing attention, the film has a fighting chance if the weekend crowd shows up.
