Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated military drama 120 Bahadur and the adult comedy franchise film Mastiii 4 arrived in cinemas on November 21, but both titles opened to underwhelming numbers. Despite belonging to completely different genres and target groups, the two films posted nearly identical day-one collections, signalling a sluggish start to the weekend.
120 Bahadur, featuring Farhan Akhtar as Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, collected Rs 2.35 crore on Day 1, according to early estimates by Sacnilk. The film recorded a low overall occupancy of 8.58%, with night shows drawing the highest turnout at 14.70%. Morning shows saw a meagre 4.52%, and the afternoon and evening slots also remained weak.
The film tells the story of Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment’s valiant stand in the 1962 Battle of Rezang La. The film, which was shot in Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, is scheduled for the highest-altitude film release in history at the Rezang La War Memorial Auditorium in Chushul, Ladakh. Soldiers and locals will attend the special showing on November 22, which is a first-of-its-kind tribute.
120 Bahadur failed to turn interest into foot traffic despite the emotional weight of its theme and significant initial buzz; numerous shows were reportedly cancelled owing to low attendance.
On the other hand, Mastiii 4, which starred Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, and Vivek Oberoi, had a marginally better opening day with Rs 2.50 crore. Despite poor bookings, it had an innate advantage in large theatres as a franchise movie. The producers hope that weekend sales, particularly in single-screen circuits, will benefit from nostalgia for the earlier movies.
While 120 Bahadur would do better in multiplexes, trade analysts point out that Masti 4 might find support in huge pockets. Spot bookings and word-of-mouth will be important for both movies, though. De De Pyaar De 2, which amazingly grossed Rs 2.25 crore on Day 8, almost matching the Day 1 figures of both new releases, may see a decline in screen counts if present trends continue.
With mixed audience response so far, the weekend will determine whether either film can pick up momentum or fade out early from the box office race.
Also Read: Filmfare Exclusive: Vivan Bhathena on 120 Bahadur’s Standing Ovation, Learning From SRK, and More
