Anurag Kashyap’s gritty crime thriller ‘Bandar’, starring Bobby Deol in what critics have called one of his finest performances, continued its underwhelming run at the domestic box office on Day 5 . The film witnessed no significant boost in numbers on its first Tuesday, despite strong critical acclaim.
According to early estimates from the entertainment tracking portal Sacnilk, the film collected approximately ₹24 to 40 lakh net on its fifth day . With these numbers, the film has managed to cross the ₹3 crore net mark in India, bringing its total net collection to around ₹3.15 crore .
Day-Wise Collection Breakdown
The daily earnings for ‘Bandar’ show a film that opened low and struggled to accelerate:
- Day 1 (Thursday, June 5): ₹0.50 crore
- Day 2 (Friday, June 6): ₹0.95 crore
- Day 3 (Saturday, June 7): ₹1.00 crore
- Day 4 (Sunday, June 8): ₹0.30 crore
- Day 5 (Monday, June 9): ₹0.40 crore (approx.)
The highest single-day collection for the film remains its third day (Sunday), where it managed to earn ₹1 crore before witnessing a steep drop on Monday .
Key Challenges Behind the Low Numbers
Several factors have contributed to the film’s inability to convert critical praise into commercial success:
1. Strong Box Office Competition
‘Bandar’ released alongside major commercial entertainers, including Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi’ and Varun Dhawan’s family comedy ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’. The latter, in particular, has drawn away a significant share of the family audience, limiting footfall for the adult-oriented crime thriller .
2. Dark and Serious Subject Matter
The film, which deals with sensitive themes such as false accusations of rape and media trials, has been described as emotionally heavy for mainstream cinema audiences . While such content appeals to a niche urban audience and critics, it lacks the mass appeal required for strong box office numbers .
3. Disputes Over Screen Allocation
Reports suggest a disagreement between the makers and major multiplex chains, including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, regarding screen allocation and show timings . This reportedly limited the film’s reach during its crucial opening weekend .
4. Limited Screen Count and OTT-Style Appeal
Releasing on a little over 300 screens initially, the film did not receive a wide commercial rollout . Additionally, the nature of its storytelling is being perceived as more suited for OTT platforms, reducing the urgency for audiences to watch it in theatres .
The Critical Disconnect
Despite the box office struggles, ‘Bandar’ has received widespread critical acclaim. Bobby Deol’s performance has been hailed as one of the finest of his career, and the film has been called Anurag Kashyap’s best work in years .
At a special screening, Bobby’s half-sister, Esha Deol, penned a note urging audiences to watch the film, writing: “You are in the best form ever! Undoubtedly the finest actor today. Enduring and vulnerable!”
What’s Next?
With its opening week nearly over and collections showing minimal growth, ‘Bandar’ faces an uphill battle at the box office. Given the stronghold of competing films and the niche appeal of the genre, the film may struggle to have a long theatrical run.
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film also stars Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, and Raj B. Shetty in pivotal roles . It is inspired by real-life events and explores the legal and social consequences of a high-profile accusation .
For now, ‘Bandar’ remains a case of a critically acclaimed film that could not find its audience in theatres, a common fate for content-driven cinema in a market dominated by spectacle and star power .
