In a rather lackluster week for the Indian box office, two major Hindi films fell short of expectations, wrapping up their initial week with disappointing earnings. Farhan Akhtar’s war drama, 120 Bahadur, managed to garner nearly $2.2 million globally, whereas the adult comedy Mastiii 4 failed to cross the $2 million mark. Both films premiered on November 21, but neither could make a significant impact.
The week ended on a low note for these Hindi releases, with each film unable to reach the $3 million mark in worldwide collections during their first week in theaters. Despite intensive promotional efforts and special screenings for the Indian Defense, 120 Bahadur couldn’t captivate audiences, nor could the fanbase of Mastiii 4 propel it to greater success. Released across approximately 3000 screens within India, both films had limited exposure internationally.
Indian Box office report: 120 Bahadur, Mastiii 4 Remain Below $3 Million In One Week
Drawing inspiration from the true events surrounding an Indian soldier, 120 Bahadur opened modestly. Its earnings fell short, with less than $300,000 in India and under $400,000 worldwide. Despite promotional campaigns highlighting its tribute to Indian Defense, it didn’t meet the anticipated box office performance. During its opening weekend, the film witnessed some growth, concluding with $1.1 million in India and $1.5 million globally. By the week’s end, it reached around $2.2 million worldwide.
120 Bahadur
Directed by Razneesh Razy Ghai, 120 Bahadur recounts the valor of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and his 120 soldiers during the 1962 Battle of Rezang La against nearly 3000 Chinese troops. Farhan Akhtar stars as Major Bhati, supported by a cast that includes Raashii Khanna, Vivan Bhatena, and others.
While Akhtar delivers a commendable performance as the courageous soldier, the film struggles with pacing and character development. Despite a rushed narrative, the engaging visuals and strong acting maintain viewer interest through its two-and-a-half-hour duration.
Meanwhile, Mastiii 4 started with a global opening of $325,000, eventually closing its first week with $2 million worldwide. In India, it earned $270,000 on the first day and accumulated $1.8 million by the end of the week. The film, penned and directed by Milan Milap Zaveri of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat and Satyamev Jayate fame, also struggled to make a notable mark at the box office.
Akhtar delivers a decent performance as the brave soldier, but the film falls short of being a brilliant one. The narrative runs at an extremely hurried pace, and the characters are also not given enough time to build relatable arcs. The powerful frames and strong performances, nonetheless, manage to hook the interest in the film throughout its runtime spanning almost two and a half hours.
Mastiii 4
A poster of Hindi film ‘Mastiii 4’.
Balaji Motion Pictures
After a dismal opening of $325,000 global opening, Mastiii 4 closed its first week at $2 million dollars worldwide. In India, the film scored $270,000 on the first day and $1.8 million by the end of the first week at the ticket windows. Milan Milap Zaveri (Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Satyamev Jayate) has written and directed the film.
Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani are back with Mastiii 4. Shreya Sharma, Ruhii Singh, and Elnaaz Norouzi join the franchise for the fourth instalment. Arshad Warsi and Nargis Fakhri have guest appearances in the film which relies heavily on nostalgic nods to previous films of the stars in the frame. Mastiii 4 has a very limited laughter quotient and an expected misogynistic tone but is conscious enough to keep calling out the misogyny at every point possible. The film manages to avoid becoming vulgar or intolerable.
Mastiii 4 is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, Maruti International, and Waveband Productions. It is the fourth film in the adult comedy franchise Masti which first began in 2004 with Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani playing lead roles of young men obsessed with the idea of sex and cheating in their marriages.
Tere Ishk Mein
Indian actors Dhanush and Kriti Sanon play lead roles in Anand L Rai’s Hindi film ‘Tere Ishk Mein’.
Colour Yellow Productions/T Series
Filmmaker Anand L Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein lands in theatres on November 28 and is set to offer major competition to the Hindi movies already running in theatres. Headlined by Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, the film comes from the world of Raanjahana – obsessive and destructive love that often ends in a negative note. The film is expected to make a $1 million opening in India alone.
