Sunny Deol’s much-anticipated film Jaat got off to a modest start at the box office, earning ₹9.50 crore on its opening day—significantly lower than the actor’s previous blockbuster Gadar 2, which had raked in ₹40 crore on its debut.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk.com, Jaat recorded an overall 12.89% Hindi occupancy on Thursday, with the highest footfall reported in Jaipur and Chennai. While ₹9.50 crore is a decent figure in isolation, it pales in comparison to recent Bollywood openings, especially when benchmarked against Gadar 2 or even Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which despite negative reviews, managed ₹26 crore on its opening day.
Comparisons Highlight Struggles at the Box Office
Sunny Deol, who was riding high after the staggering success of Gadar 2 in 2023—which went on to earn ₹691 crore during its theatrical run—was likely hoping for another box office juggernaut. However, Jaat’s first-day performance reflects a more subdued reception from audiences.
The film’s opening also falls short of Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which was released on March 30. Despite facing criticism for its storyline and performances, Sikandar managed to draw in audiences with a ₹26 crore opening, further highlighting Jaat’s underwhelming start.
Cast and Crew Remain Hopeful
Jaat is directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by People Media Factory and Mythri Movie Makers. Along with Sunny Deol, the action drama features Saiyami Kher, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar Singh in pivotal roles.
Speaking at a recent promotional event, Randeep Hooda emphasized that while box office numbers are important, audience connection remains the ultimate benchmark of success. “The box office collection shows how many people went to watch the movie. When the collection is high, it means that so many people showed up, and that’s the biggest reward for any artist,” he said.
Viineet Kumar Singh echoed the sentiment, stating that the opinions of the general audience outweigh critical reviews. “Cinema is made for the people, and when they like it, that’s the ultimate validation. Whether it’s a hit or not, the audience’s reaction is the most important factor,” he added.
What Lies Ahead?
While the opening day performance may not be in line with expectations, the coming weekend will be crucial in determining Jaat’s overall box office trajectory. With positive word-of-mouth and strong weekend footfalls, the film still has a chance to recover ground.
Sources By Agencies
