120 Bahadur Box Office Opening Day: Farhan Akhtar’s Military Drama Starts Slow With Rs 2 Crore
Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated film 120 Bahadur has finally arrived in theatres, but the opening numbers have not brought good news. Despite decent buzz around its intense military theme, the film has posted a surprisingly low start at the box office. On its opening day, including paid previews, the movie managed to collect just Rs 2 crore net—far below industry expectations for a Farhan Akhtar-led drama.
This slow start has raised questions about whether 120 Bahadur will be able to gain momentum over the weekend or join the long list of military films that struggled commercially.
A Weak Opening Despite Paid Previews
Before its official release, 120 Bahadur held paid previews on November 18, hoping to generate early word-of-mouth. However, the previews added only around Rs 10 lakh, contributing to the overall Rs 2 crore opening day total.
For a film led by a popular actor like Farhan Akhtar and backed by a relatively large-scale production, these numbers are considered underwhelming. The film was expected to at least cross Rs 4–5 crore on Day 1, especially given the nationalistic theme and theatrical release timing.
Can 120 Bahadur Grow Over the Weekend?
As of now, early reviews and audience reactions appear mixed. Viewers have praised Farhan Akhtar’s performance and the emotional depth of the story, but many have felt the narrative falls short of delivering the gripping intensity expected from a military drama.
What This Means for the Weekend
To enter safer territory, the film will need a noticeable jump on Saturday and Sunday. Ideally, 120 Bahadur should look at closing its first weekend with Rs 8–10 crore. While still modest, it would give the film some breathing room.
However, achieving this target won’t be easy. The mixed feedback and weak opening may limit walk-ins unless strong word-of-mouth spreads.
Why Military Dramas Struggle at the Box Office
While patriotic themes often draw interest, military films historically have a mixed track record in India. Only a handful have turned into big theatrical successes.
Films That Worked
Two films are often cited as rare success stories in this genre:
- Border – its emotional intensity and strong star cast helped it become a massive success.
- Uri – based on the real-life 2016 surgical strike, it captured the public’s imagination and resonated with audiences nationally.
The Common Struggle
Most military dramas fail because they either lack mass appeal, appear too niche, or fail to balance authenticity with engaging storytelling. 120 Bahadur seems to be facing the same challenge—its theme is impactful, but the commercial pull appears limited.
Box Office Breakdown: 120 Bahadur India Collection
Here is the simple day-wise India performance so far:
Day-wise Collection
- Friday: Rs 2 crore
- Total: Rs 2 crore
These numbers underline the uphill task the film faces in the coming days.
What Could Help the Film Improve?
Farhan Akhtar’s Performance
His intense portrayal is being appreciated, and this could help bring more viewers over the weekend.
Emotional Storyline
Military stories often have strong emotional appeal, and this may resonate with audiences looking for meaningful content.
Limited Competition
If no major competing releases draw audiences away, 120 Bahadur might still carve out space.
About the Film
Directed by Razneesh Razy Ghai, 120 Bahadur is positioned as a gritty military drama that explores courage, sacrifice and the emotional cost of war. The film attempts to balance realism with dramatic storytelling, focusing not just on action but also on the human side of conflict.
Although the film’s theme holds potential, its execution seems to have left the audience somewhat divided.
What Lies Ahead for 120 Bahadur?
The coming weekend will decide the film’s fate. A decent growth on Saturday and Sunday could help soften the blow of the opening day numbers. But if the film fails to gain momentum, it may face a difficult theatrical run.
For now, all eyes are on audience reception over the next 48 hours.
Stay tuned for updated box office numbers and detailed analysis as the film progresses through its first week.
