A Slow Start at the Box Office
Bobby Deol’s latest theatrical outing, Bandar, has kicked off its box office journey with a rather subdued performance. According to industry tracking data, the film managed to collect an estimated Rs 50 lakh net in India on its opening day, June 5. With a modest Rs 60 lakh gross domestically from around 1,365 shows, the numbers reflect a slow start despite the actor’s loyal fanbase.
The limited screen count and relatively quiet pre-release buzz seem to have played a role in the film’s underwhelming opening. Insiders suggest that the film faced an uphill battle from the very beginning, with exhibitors allocating fewer shows compared to bigger releases of the week.
Competition Heats Up
Bandar landed in theatres on a Friday that saw heavy competition from two major titles. Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai dominated the Hindi belt, raking in an estimated Rs 7.50 crore net across 9,081 shows. Its India gross stood at approximately Rs 9 crore, while overseas contributed another Rs 2 crore, taking the worldwide total to an estimated Rs 11 crore.
Ram Charan’s multilingual action drama Peddi also proved to be a strong contender, drawing significant footfall in the South and among pan-India audiences. With such heavyweights in the ring, Bandar found itself squeezed for both screens and audience attention, yaar.
What’s Next for Bandar?
While Day 1 numbers are far from stellar, Bobby Deol’s film could still find its footing if word-of-mouth picks up over the weekend. The film’s genre—a gritty drama—may appeal to niche audiences looking for something different. But with the next week bringing fresh releases, the window to build momentum is narrow.
For now, all eyes are on the Saturday and Sunday collections. Will Bandar manage a comeback or stay a slow burner? Let’s wait and watch, folks.