Acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali returned to theatres this week with his latest romantic drama, Main Vaapas Aaunga. Starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, the film opened to positive reviews and appreciation from viewers. However, despite the strong response from critics and audiences who watched it, the film’s box office performance on its first day remained lower than expected.
According to early trade estimates, Main Vaapas Aaunga earned around ₹1.15 crore net in India on its opening day. The film was screened across 2,302 shows nationwide and recorded an occupancy of around 11 percent. While the collection was enough to place it among the better performers of the day, the numbers are still much lower than what many expected from an Imtiaz Ali film featuring a popular cast.
The opening figures are particularly modest when compared to Imtiaz Ali’s previous release, Love Aaj Kal, starring Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan. Released in 2020, that film earned approximately ₹12.40 crore on its first day despite receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. As a result, all eyes are now on the weekend collections to see whether positive word of mouth can help Main Vaapas Aaunga attract more viewers and improve its performance at the box office.
The film tells a deeply emotional story that explores the long lasting impact of India’s Partition. At the centre of the narrative is a 95 year old man who suffers a stroke while trying to travel to Pakistan. As he struggles with fading memories and shifting realities, his grandson begins uncovering fragments of his past. Through these discoveries, the family learns about love, loss, separation, and memories that have remained buried for decades.
Unlike many films that focus on the political aspects of Partition, Main Vaapas Aaunga looks at the personal experiences of ordinary people whose lives were forever changed by the division of the country. It highlights how emotional wounds and cherished memories can stay with people for an entire lifetime.
Speaking about the film, Imtiaz Ali explained that the story reflects the experiences of thousands of families affected by Partition. He said that while people crossed borders carrying their belongings, they also carried memories, relationships, and love in their hearts. Over time, those memories became precious treasures that provided comfort and emotional strength.
With its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and emotional subject matter, Main Vaapas Aaunga offers a touching look at a chapter of history that continues to affect generations. Whether positive reviews translate into stronger box office collections over the weekend remains to be seen, but the film has already started meaningful conversations among audiences.