Sanjay Dutt's horror-comedy film, "The Bhootni," released on May 1st, has had a disappointing box office debut. While the film received positive feedback on social media and from early viewers, its first-day earnings surprised everyone.
The Bhootni Box Office: Horror-comedy films are currently very popular, especially following the success of films like "Stree 2." Seeing this trend, Sanjay Dutt released "The Bhootni," generating significant audience anticipation after its trailer release. The film stars Sanjay Dutt alongside Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, and Sunny Singh in pivotal roles.
Mouni Roy's "bhootni" (ghost) look was particularly well-received by audiences and generated considerable buzz on social media. However, contrary to expectations, "The Bhootni" flopped badly on its first day at the box office. The positive atmosphere created by the trailer and star cast did not last after the release. The film received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics, resulting in a far lower opening than anticipated.
Earnings Shatter Expectations
The first-day earnings fell drastically short of expectations. According to Sacnilk's report, "The Bhootni" grossed only ₹65 lakh (approximately $7,800 USD) on its opening day. This figure didn't even reach ₹1 crore (approximately $12,000 USD), which is exceptionally surprising given Sanjay Dutt's significant star power.
In the film, Sanjay Dutt portrays a modern tantrik, "Baba Bo," tasked with protecting college students from a resident ghost. Mouni Roy, playing the lead ghost, delivered a compelling performance. Her look, dialogues, and screen presence were well-received, while young actors like Palak Tiwari and Sunny Singh added freshness. Despite this, the story failed to leave a significant impact.
Tough Competition Steals the Spotlight
Released alongside "The Bhootni," "Red 2" performed well on its first day, recovering almost half its budget. Its lower budget and ber script attracted audiences, directly impacting "The Bhootni's" earnings. Trade analysts believe that "The Bhootni" might have had a better opening had "Red 2" not been a b competitor.
While the film's trailer went viral, its promotion lacked focus. This resulted in limited awareness among audiences outside major metropolitan cities. Social media promotion was also slow, limiting theater attendance on the first day.
Can the Film Stage a Comeback?
The film received mixed reviews from critics and early viewers. While some found it entertaining, many criticized its weak storyline. All hopes now rest on the weekend's collection. If the film gains positive word-of-mouth publicity, collections may improve in the coming days.
