New Delhi: This Independence Day 2024 will be remembered not just for its patriotic fervor but also for a significant box office showdown, marked by the release of three major films: the much-anticipated horror-comedy ‘Stree 2’, Akshay Kumar and Taapsee Pannu’s comedy-drama ‘Khel Khel Mein,’ and John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh’s action-thriller ‘Vedaa.’ As theaters across the nation brimmed with excited viewers, the industry’s attention pivoted towards the crucial question: Which of these films triumphed in the box office battle?
Here’s the first weekend’s report card.
## Stree 2 Box Office Collection
Shraddha Kapoor’s comeback in the horror-comedy ‘Stree 2’ has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Co-starring Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, the film promises more chills and laughs, rekindling the magic of its predecessor. According to Sacnilk reports, ‘Stree 2’ amassed a whopping ₹91.7 crore India net over the first two days of its release, making it the first female-led film to break previous records at the Indian box office. Early predictions by Trade Expert Rohit Jaiswal suggest that ‘Stree 2’ might achieve a total collection of ₹300 crore, a testament to its roaring start.
On its third day, ‘Stree 2’ continued to captivate audiences, earning approximately ₹43.85 crore India net. This impressive third-day haul brought its total collection to an astounding ₹135.55 crore, solidifying its lead in the box office race.
## Khel Khel Mein Box Office Collection
In another corner of the box office ring, Akshay Kumar and Taapsee Pannu starrer ‘Khel Khel Mein’ also launched amidst much fanfare. The comedy-drama, directed by Mudassar Aziz, features an ensemble cast including Ammy Virk, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Aditya Seal, and Chitrangada Singh. Sacnilk reports that ‘Khel Khel Mein’ managed a respectable start, pulling in ₹10.20 crore India net over its first three days.
Despite not matching the blockbuster pace of ‘Stree 2,’ ‘Khel Khel Mein’ has found its audience, especially among fans of light-hearted comedy-dramas. The film’s third-day earnings were around ₹3.10 crore India net, bringing its total to ₹13.30 crore. While these figures reflect a decent performance, they highlight the stiff competition the film faces in the current box office climate.
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## Vedaa Box Office Collection
Completing the trio of Independence Day releases, ‘Vedaa’ offers a gritty alternative with its action-thriller narrative. Headlined by John Abraham and rising star Sharvari Wagh, the film is directed by Nikhil Advani, whose previous endeavors have set high expectations. According to Sacnilk, ‘Vedaa’ had a modest yet steady start, grossing ₹8.1 crore India net over its first two days.
On the third day, ‘Vedaa’ garnered an additional ₹2.45 crore India net, bringing its total to ₹10.55 crore. Although these numbers are more subdued compared to ‘Stree 2’, the film’s performance signifies a dedicated audience for high-octane action thrillers.
## Who Won the Showdown?
The box office showdown appears decisively tipped in favor of ‘Stree 2’. With its robust three-day earnings of ₹135.55 crore, the horror-comedy has not only outpaced its rivals but also etched its name in the annals of box office history as the first female-led film to achieve such high figures.
Conversely, ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Vedaa,’ while commendable in their own right, trail behind significantly. ‘Khel Khel Mein,’ with a total collection of ₹13.30 crore, and ‘Vedaa,’ with ₹10.55 crore, reflect the varied tastes of the Indian audience but are unmistakably overshadowed by the juggernaut that is ‘Stree 2’.
This year’s Independence Day box office dynamics underscore the diverse offerings of Indian cinema and the unpredictability of audience preferences. While ‘Stree 2’s’ success might prompt a surge in horror-comedies, the respectable performances of ‘Khel Khel Mein’ and ‘Vedaa’ ensure that comedy-dramas and action-thrillers remain strong contenders in the cinematic landscape.
As the films continue to vie for viewers’ attention in the coming weeks, it will be intriguing to see if ‘Stree 2’ maintains its lead or if there’s a twist in this cinematic saga. For now, however, ‘Stree 2’ stands unchallenged, its success a fitting testament to the dynamic nature of Indian cinema.
