The Sabarmati Report* had a lukewarm start at the box office, earning ₹1.15 crore on its opening day, according to early estimates. With an overall occupancy of 16.74%, the film’s opening performance was underwhelming, though it did manage to surpass Vikrant Massey’s previous release, 12th Fail (₹1.1 crore), which was a sleeper hit in 2023. While the opening day numbers aren’t striking, there’s a possibility for growth if positive word of mouth catches on, similar to what happened with 12th Fail.
Here’s a summary of the film’s initial reception and the context around its box office performance:
Box Office Performance:
Opening Day Collection: ₹1.15 crore (estimated)
Occupancy: 16.74%
– The opening is considered low, especially given the stiff competition from major releases like Gladiator 2 and Kanguva, both of which have large fan followings and are likely attracting the bulk of audiences.
Critical Reception:
The film received mixed reviews upon release. While some found the film’s investigation of the 2002 Godhra incident engaging, the second half of the screenplay was criticized for becoming repetitive and losing pace. However, the film reportedly redeems itself in the final scene with a powerful moment where Vikrant Massey’s character breaks the fourth wall, paying tribute to the victims of the Godhra tragedy.
A snippet from Hindustan Times pointed out that the film struggles in the second half, where the investigative plot becomes repetitive, but it regains its impact with a poignant final scene. This could be a significant factor in whether the film gains momentum over the next few days.
Vikrant Massey’s Personal Involvement:
There’s also a layer of personal risk for Vikrant Massey. He mentioned at the film’s trailer launch that he had been receiving death threats due to the sensitive nature of the film, which portrays events related to the 2002 Godhra incident. While the actor noted that this is something he’s “dealing with,” it adds a layer of complexity to the film’s narrative, especially in light of the political sensitivities surrounding the subject.
Competition:
The film faces intense competition from two major releases:
Gladiator 2 – A Hollywood period drama that is likely attracting a significant portion of the audience.
Kanguva – Suriya’s action-packed epic, which has a dedicated fan base and is expected to draw audiences looking for high-octane entertainment.
Given these competing blockbusters, The Sabarmati Report will need positive word of mouth to sustain and grow its box office numbers, especially as it enters the crucial weekend period.
