The Weekend Collection: Below Expectations
Despite Sonam Bajwa's massive star power, the film’s unique premise—organizing funerals for NRIs—didn't translate into immediate massive footfalls, partly due to heavy competition from other regional industries.
Metric Collection (First 4 Days) India Net (Punjabi) ₹0.66 Crore India Gross ₹0.74 Crore Worldwide Gross ₹0.74 Crore Overall Status Slow Start
The Struggle: With a total net collection of just ₹66 lakh over its first four days, the film is performing well below Sonam’s usual standards. Her previous collaboration with Ammy Virk, Nikka Zaildar 4, saw much higher opening numbers.
The Competition Factor: In Punjab's multiplexes, Pitt Siyapa was largely sidelined by the historic run of the Marathi epic Raja Shivaji and the Malayalam thriller Patriot, both of which dominated screen counts and audience attention this weekend.
Critical Reception: "Bold but Weak in Spots"
Early reviews suggest that while the performances are a highlight, the script might be the film's Achilles' heel:
The Positives: Sonam Bajwa as "Nimmi the Boss" is being praised for her comic timing and fresh avatar. The "Siyapa Anthem" remains a hit in clubs and social media reels.
The Negatives: Critics have noted that while the concept is fresh, the story feels "weak in some places," particularly when the plot shifts from a funeral business to a drug-smuggling subplot involving a Dubai crime ring.
Recovery Post-Legal Stay
The film’s marketing momentum was undoubtedly dampened by the Chandigarh District Court's interim stay that lasted until late April.
The Conflict: The court had originally restrained the release after screenwriter Rajan Kumar Ratnia alleged the film copied his script Akhri Yatra.com.
The Damage: Though the producers eventually secured the May 1 release, the "will they, won't they" headlines likely caused confusion among casual moviegoers, leading to the lower-than-expected advance bookings.
SantaBanta Verdict:
Pitt Siyapa is currently in "survival mode." While it isn't the runaway hit the producers hoped for, the positive response to Sonam’s performance in rural Punjab might help the film maintain steady collections over the weekdays. However, with a crowded summer schedule ahead, the "Nimmi" business needs a major boost in word-of-mouth to turn a profit.
