Baaghi 4: The Indian box office witnessed a dramatic clash this Friday as three highly anticipated films—Tiger Shroff’s action-packed Baaghi 4, the spine-chilling Hollywood horror ‘The Conjuring – Last Rites’, and the socio-political drama ‘The Bengal Files’—hit the big screens together. While trade analysts had expected a tough fight between the adrenaline-driven Bollywood franchise and the globally popular horror series, the opening day numbers paint a different picture altogether.
The Horror Reigns Supreme: The Conjuring – Last Rites Dominates Day 1
Hollywood’s latest horror offering, The Conjuring – Last Rites, has emerged as the front-runner at the Indian box office on its very first day. The film, directed by Michael Chaves, continues the terrifying saga of the Conjuring universe, drawing in fans who have followed the series for over a decade.
Early estimates suggest that the movie raked in ₹8.5–9 crore (nett) on Day 1 in India, with major contributions coming from metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The strong advance bookings, combined with positive word-of-mouth, have given the film a clear edge. Horror fans flocked to multiplexes, particularly during evening and night shows, making this one of the best openings for a horror film post-pandemic.
Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 Fails to Pack a Punch
Contrary to high expectations, Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 had a lukewarm start at the box office. The action franchise, known for its high-octane stunts and stylish fight sequences, has always found a loyal audience among the youth. However, this time the formula seems to be losing its sheen.
The film managed to collect only ₹4.5–5 crore (nett) on its opening day, a disappointing figure considering the franchise’s previous success. Critics have pointed out the lack of a gripping storyline and over-reliance on action without emotional depth. Even though Tiger Shroff’s daredevil stunts and dance sequences remain a highlight, they haven’t been enough to draw large crowds, especially with stiff competition at the box office.
The Bengal Files Opens on a Weak Note
The third release of the day, ‘The Bengal Files’, was expected to attract attention due to its controversial theme and political undertones. However, the film recorded a slow start with collections in the range of ₹1–1.5 crore (nett) on Day 1.
Despite generating discussions on social media before release, the film faced limited screenings compared to its competitors, and mixed reviews further affected its opening. Trade experts suggest that the movie might pick up during the weekend if word-of-mouth improves, but the road ahead looks challenging.
What Worked and What Didn’t
- The Conjuring – Last Rites
- Strengths: Strong brand recall, engaging plot, international appeal, and positive early reviews.
- Weaknesses: Limited audience in rural areas, as horror remains a niche genre in parts of India.
- Baaghi 4
- Strengths: Action-packed sequences, Tiger Shroff’s star power, franchise loyalty.
- Weaknesses: Predictable storyline, weak screenplay, and tough competition.
- The Bengal Files
- Strengths: Controversial subject generating curiosity, targeted audience base.
- Weaknesses: Limited promotion, mixed to negative reviews, and lack of pan-India pull.
Weekend Predictions
Trade analysts believe that ‘The Conjuring – Last Rites’ will continue to dominate over the weekend. With strong urban occupancy and a steady rise in footfall expected on Saturday and Sunday, the film may easily cross the ₹25 crore mark in its first weekend.
For ‘Baaghi 4’, the Saturday collections will be crucial. If the film manages to attract family audiences and youth with positive word-of-mouth, it could see a 20–25% growth. However, the current trend suggests an uphill battle.
‘The Bengal Files’ will heavily rely on niche audiences and regional circuits. Unless it witnesses an extraordinary surge, it may remain in the shadows of its more prominent rivals.
Audience Reactions and Social Buzz
Social media has been buzzing with reactions since the early shows began. Horror fans praised The Conjuring – Last Rites for its chilling sequences and gripping storyline, calling it one of the better entries in the franchise.
On the other hand, Baaghi 4 received a mixed response. While Tiger Shroff’s action and dance skills were widely appreciated, many viewers complained about the lack of freshness in the narrative. Memes and jokes about the repetitive formula of the franchise also started trending on Twitter (now X).
The Bengal Files faced divided opinions. Supporters lauded the film for addressing sensitive issues, while critics labeled it as polarizing and one-dimensional.
Final Verdict: The Battle Has Just Begun
The Day 1 box office report makes one thing clear: content is king. Audiences today are looking for engaging stories rather than just star power or big-budget spectacles. The Conjuring – Last Rites proves that a well-executed film with a strong fanbase can surpass even a popular Bollywood franchise.
As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on the growth trajectory of Baaghi 4 and whether The Bengal Files can pull off a surprise turnaround. For now, the crown belongs to Hollywood horror.
(FAQs)
1. Which movie topped the box office on Day 1?
The Conjuring – Last Rites emerged as the top performer on Day 1, earning approximately ₹8.5–9 crore (nett) in India.
2. How much did Baaghi 4 earn on its opening day?
Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 collected around ₹4.5–5 crore (nett) on Day 1.
3. Was The Bengal Files a success on its first day?
No, The Bengal Files had a weak opening, with only ₹1–1.5 crore (nett) collection.
4. What is the main reason for The Conjuring – Last Rites’ success?
Strong franchise loyalty, positive reviews, and a growing horror fan base in India contributed to its strong opening.
5. Why did Baaghi 4 underperform?
The film faced criticism for its predictable storyline and lacked the freshness audiences expected.
6. Will Baaghi 4 recover during the weekend?
It may see slight growth if word-of-mouth improves, but competition from The Conjuring – Last Rites is strong.
7. Which cities contributed most to The Conjuring – Last Rites’ success?
Major metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru were the biggest contributors.
8. Did The Bengal Files face controversies?
Yes, it stirred debates on social media due to its political undertones, but this didn’t translate into box office numbers.
9. Is the horror genre gaining popularity in India?
Yes, especially among urban audiences and younger demographics who enjoy international horror franchises.
10. What is the expected weekend collection for The Conjuring – Last Rites?
Trade analysts predict it could cross ₹25 crore in its first weekend.