Fighter: Dead Even Before Start?

The cinematic landscape of 2023 witnessed blockbuster hits like Jawan, Pathaan, Gadar 2, and Animal. As the curtain falls on this successful year, the spotlight shifts to 2024, with Siddharth Anand’s Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, marking the grand beginning on January 25, coinciding with Republic Day.

Fighter, billed as India’s biggest aerial action drama, generated immense anticipation with its scale and casting. The fresh pairing of Hrithik and Deepika was its major USP. The recently unveiled trailer promises an adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-the-seat action thriller, interwoven with a patriotic theme.

Despite the film’s high expectations, the advance booking trend is extremely poor. Selling over 75,000 tickets in national chains by Tuesday midnight, Fighter’s opening is all set to turn out hugely disappointing. Forget about Jawan or Pathaan, the pre-sales are way less than even Dunki which was released in a clash and was a drama film.

The reason for lackluster pre-sales is attributed to poor music, lack of promotions, and a trailer with a mixed reception, criticized by some for its jingoistic tone.

Initially eyed as a potential 50 crore opener, Fighter’s current outlook suggests the trade will consider Rs. 25 crore a satisfactory milestone. 30 crore opening looks out of reach. Realistically, based on current bookings, the film might gather 22-23 crores net on its opening day.

With a massive budget of 250 crores, the film’s success hinges on a sustained and prosperous run at the box office. As Fighter takes flight, the industry eagerly awaits its trajectory in the cinematic skies of 2024.