Varun Dhawan’s ‘Baby John’ Earns INR 13.5 Crore on Opening Day Despite Fierce Competition!
The much-awaited Bollywood action-drama Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and helmed by the visionary director Kalees, opened to a robust start at the box office. The Hindi adaptation of Atlee’s Tamil hit Theri raked in approximately INR 13.5 crore on Christmas Day, cementing itself as one of the biggest opening-day collections for a non-franchise film starring a young hero in the post-pandemic era.
Baby John vs. Pushpa 2: A Fierce Box Office Battle
Despite its strong performance, Baby John faced stiff competition from the highly anticipated Pushpa 2: The Rule, which dominated multiplexes and single screens alike. The clash between these two titans divided audiences, but Baby John managed to carve a niche, appealing to fans of action-packed dramas and family-oriented storylines.
What Boosted Baby John’s Opening Day Collection?
- Star Power: Varun Dhawan’s massive fan base and proven box office draw were pivotal.
- Holiday Advantage: A Christmas release guaranteed packed theatres as families flocked to watch the latest Bollywood offerings.
- Director’s Vision: Atlee’s adaptation brought a fresh perspective to Theri, retaining its emotional core while adding Bollywood flair.
- High Production Value: The film’s sleek action sequences and compelling performances by Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff further boosted its appeal.
Can Baby John Maintain Its Momentum?
While the opening day numbers are promising, the real test lies in sustaining this momentum. Industry analysts predict that if Baby John secures a collection of INR 7.5 crore or more on its second day, it could head into the weekend with a strong chance of hitting INR 50 crore within five days. The prolonged holiday season allows the film to inch closer to the coveted INR 100 crore mark domestically.
Mixed Reviews But Audience Approval
Critics have given Baby John mixed reviews, citing its predictable plot but praising its entertainment value and Varun Dhawan’s stellar performance. The audience’s word-of-mouth appears to be tilting positive, with many appreciating the film’s emotional depth and gripping action sequences.
What’s Next for Baby John?
With its impressive opening, Baby John is poised to make a mark despite the tough competition from Pushpa 2. However, maintaining footfall through the week will be crucial. Box office enthusiasts are keeping a close watch on how the film performs in key markets like Mumbai and Delhi, where it has shown strong traction.
Conclusion
Baby John has delivered an impressive debut, proving that Varun Dhawan’s star power, coupled with Atlee’s dynamic storytelling, remains a winning formula. As it battles for box office supremacy during this festive season, the film’s trajectory will depend on its ability to capitalize on audience goodwill and sustain its performance against heavyweight competition.