Kartik Aaryan's debut collaboration with director Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion, has underperformed at the Indian box office on its opening day, with an estimated gross of Rs 4.25-4.75 crore. This is below expectations, raising concerns about the trajectory of the sports drama over the weekend. The film secured bookings in the range of Rs 2.75 crore at major cinema chains like PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis, accounting for 65% of total revenue.
Despite the initial setback, Chandu Champion has received positive reviews from critics, offering hope that word-of-mouth will boost footfall in cinemas. As a high-budget production, the film needs to sustain a strong box office run to be successful. The upcoming Bakri Eid holiday on Monday provides an additional opportunity for the film to reach a wider audience.
The fate of Chandu Champion hinges on its performance beyond the four-day extended weekend. Its low opening, comparable to last week's release Munjya, highlights the need for significant gains over the weekend. The film's target audience resides primarily in major cities, as its content may not resonate with the masses. Its first weekend is projected to rake in around Rs 18-20 crore, with the weekday performance remaining crucial.
While the initial numbers may be disheartening, the film's lackluster trailer is considered a contributing factor. Stay connected for updates on Chandu Champion's box office journey.