Sonu Sood’s directorial debut Fateh had a promising start at the box office on Friday, collecting ₹2.4 crore. However, the film experienced a slight dip on Saturday, earning ₹2 crore, a drop of ₹40 lakhs. The action drama, featuring Sonu Sood and Jacqueline Fernandez, faced stiff competition from the Hindi-dubbed version of S Shankar’s Telugu blockbuster Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani.
Box Office Performance
While weekends typically bring a surge in box office collections, Fateh bucked the trend with reduced earnings on its second day. This drop is attributed in part to its ticket pricing strategy. On Friday, the film’s tickets were priced at an affordable ₹99, which likely boosted its opening figures. However, with regular pricing implemented on Saturday, the collections saw a decline.
Sonu Sood had earlier explained his decision to set lower ticket prices for the opening day, stating, “Fateh is a film made for the common man, and I wanted it to reach everyone in the most accessible way across India.” He also announced that all profits from the film would be donated to charity, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to society.
About the Film
Fateh is described as “a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the fight against cybercrime,” inspired by real-life incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is produced by Shakti Sagar Productions and Zee Studios and features an ensemble cast, including Vijay Raaz and Naseeruddin Shah. The project also brought on board prominent Hollywood professionals for its cinematography, research, and action choreography.
Despite its premise, Fateh received mixed reviews from critics. One review noted, “Sood handles the direction well, but the screenplay (which he co-wrote with Ankur Pannu) is nothing different from run-of-the-mill action films. The slick action loses its impact after a point, and the portrayal of digital scams feels amateurish. While the film pretends to aim at spreading awareness, it fails to leave a lasting impression.”
Competition from ‘Game Changer’
The Hindi-dubbed version of Game Changer proved to be a significant competitor, drawing audiences away from Fateh. With its high-octane action sequences and star power in Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, Game Changer has dominated screens and audience attention.
Future Prospects
While Fateh has managed to attract viewers with its affordability and unique theme, sustaining its momentum may prove challenging given the competition and mixed reception. However, Sonu Sood’s charitable initiative and the film’s message about cybercrime might continue to draw audiences in the coming days.
Sourcdes By Agencies
