The latest collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj has crossed the Rs 44 crore mark by Day 6 at the domestic box office, marking a steady run despite stiff competition and mixed weekday trends. The film, which opened to a decent response over its first weekend, managed to maintain enough momentum through the weekdays to achieve this milestone. While the numbers may not be record-breaking, they reflect the loyal audience base the actor-director duo commands. Trade analysts note that the film’s urban pull and strong multiplex performance have played a key role in sustaining collections.
With Rs 44 crore in six days, the film has now surpassed the lifetime earnings of their 2009 cult hit Kaminey. That achievement is significant considering Kaminey’s strong reputation and lasting popularity among fans. However, despite beating that benchmark, the new release has not been able to overtake the box office performance of Haider, which remains one of the most acclaimed and commercially successful collaborations between Kapoor and Bhardwaj. Haider had not only benefited from critical acclaim but also from strong word-of-mouth, helping it sustain longer in theatres.
Industry insiders suggest that the current film’s growth has been steady rather than explosive. After a promising opening weekend, weekday drops were within expected ranges, indicating stable audience interest but not extraordinary traction. The film’s content-driven narrative and intense performances have earned praise, yet it faces the challenge of appealing beyond core cinephiles. In comparison to Haider’s layered storytelling and powerful emotional impact, this latest offering appears to have struck a more niche chord. Still, crossing Rs 44 crore within six days places it in a respectable position among mid-to-high budget releases this year.
Shahid Kapoor’s performance has once again emerged as the film’s strongest asset. His ability to immerse himself in complex roles continues to draw appreciation from critics and fans alike. Vishal Bhardwaj’s signature storytelling style—marked by atmospheric settings, intricate character arcs, and nuanced dialogue—also remains intact. Together, they have carved out a distinct space in Hindi cinema with their collaborations, often blending commercial elements with artistic ambition. Even when box office numbers fluctuate, their projects tend to generate discussion and long-term recall value.
Looking ahead, the film’s second weekend will be crucial in determining whether it can narrow the gap with Haider’s final tally or settle comfortably as their second-best performer together. Much will depend on audience retention and the absence of major new releases. While it may not rewrite box office history, the Rs 44 crore mark in under a week demonstrates that the Kapoor-Bhardwaj pairing still carries significant weight. For fans of intense, performance-driven cinema, the film stands as another noteworthy chapter in their creative partnership.
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