The latest cinematic releases are battling it out on the box office stage, and it looks like Stree 2 is leading the pack by a considerable margin. With Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao at the helm, this horror-comedy has not only attracted audiences but has also set a high bar for its competitors. Despite sharing the Independence Day release date, Akshay Kumar’s ensemble film Khel Khel Mein and John Abraham’s Vedaa are struggling to keep up with the impressive performance of Stree 2.
Dominance of ‘Stree 2’
Stree 2 has captured the audience’s interest with an impressive start, amassing a staggering ₹23.36 crore through advanced bookings alone. This figure, coupled with an additional ₹3.80 crore from its paid preview shows on Wednesday night, has solidified its position as a box office frontrunner. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film is expected to break new records, setting a benchmark for the other films released on the same day.
The Struggle of ‘Vedaa’ and ‘Khel Khel Mein’
In stark contrast, the advanced booking numbers for Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein have been less promising. Vedaa, starring John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh, has garnered a modest ₹1.49 crore through the sale of 61,040 tickets. Meanwhile, the multi-starrer Khel Khel Mein, featuring Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, and Fardeen Khan, has only managed to secure ₹1.54 crore from pre-sales, with 47,202 tickets sold.
On-the-Spot Bookings and the Holiday Effect
Both Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein are now relying heavily on on-the-spot bookings and the boost from the Independence Day holiday to bolster their opening day earnings. The festive atmosphere might give these films a much-needed lift, though they are unlikely to match the high occupancy rates of Stree 2. Akshay Kumar’s recent track record at the box office has been shaky, impacting his current star power. However, with Khel Khel Mein being a comedy, it might appeal to viewers seeking light-hearted entertainment after watching Stree 2.
The Critical Four-Day Weekend
The upcoming four-day weekend, capped by the Raksha Bandhan holiday on Monday, presents a crucial earning window for both Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein. This period is essential for these films to establish themselves, as their performance during these days will likely determine their longevity in theaters. With the competition from Stree 2, they will need to capitalize on every opportunity to draw in audiences.
Opening Day Earnings Forecast
Based on the current figures and the expected audience turnout, industry analysts predict that Khel Khel Mein could earn between ₹5-8 crore on its opening day. On the other hand, Vedaa is estimated to bring in around ₹3-5 crore. These numbers, while not spectacular, could set the stage for a more sustained performance if the films manage to build positive word-of-mouth and capitalize on the extended weekend.
As the box office race heats up, all eyes will be on how these films perform in the coming days. With Stree 2 setting a high bar, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein face the challenge of not only meeting but exceeding audience expectations to carve out their place in this competitive landscape.
