Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who surprised everybody last year with The Vaccine War, would next appear in director Anil Sharma’s upcoming movie Vanvaas, set for release on 20th December, 2024. Pre-release hype surrounding the film looks meagre so, as if there is every likelihood that this might prove to be another casualty in the highly competitive scenario that awaits its screening.
Low Opening Expected for Vanvaas
According to industry projections, the film Vanvaas is likely to have a low opening at the box office, with an estimated opening of Rs 1 crore net. The film is released when Pushpa 2 is still in theaters and Disney’s eagerly-awaited international release Mufasa: The Lion King hits screens. There is no word on any wide release plan, and thus, it will be challenging for the film to create a niche among all this competition.
Word-of-Mouth Crucial for Success
While the Vanvaas trailer has not really gone that well, it is upon positive word-of-mouth that the long term box office prospects of the film will rely. A good content with strong audience reactions may take the film to respectable lifetime collection.
Anil Sharma’s Legacy and Recent Success
Director Anil Sharma comes off the back of the blockbuster success of Gadar 2 (2023), which did a Rs 515 crore net business in theatres in India. – Gadar 2: Opened at Rs 40 crore net and briefly became the highest-grossing Indian film until Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan took the top spot later in the year. Sharma’s reach to patriotic and emotional storytelling with Gadar 2 touched the heart of audiences; the fans want to see if he can do that with Vanvaas again.
Utkarsh Sharma Stars in Lead Role
Sharma’s son, Utkarsh Sharma, acts alongside Nana Patekar in Vanvaas. Utkarsh, who had played the on-screen son of Sunny Deol in both Gadar films, is trying to establish himself as a hero again. His role in Gadar 2 was not really highlighted, with the movie being a larger-than-life spectacle of Sunny Deol. Vanvaas gives him an opportunity to prove himself as a solo lead.
Tough Competition Ahead
A week from now, that is, five days after the release of Vanvaas, Varun Dhawan’s Baby John will release on Christmas. The appeal is much wider, and with the star power involved, it might well dominate Vanvaas’ market share.
Alongside Pushpa 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King, Vanvaas has to compete in a big league.
What’s Next for Vanvaas?
While the initial buzz isn’t promising, Anil Sharma’s commercial sensibilities and Nana Patekar’s powerful screen presence might still draw a niche audience. If the film can deliver emotionally engaging storytelling and a gripping narrative, there is hope for it to pick up momentum through word-of-mouth. However, as of now, the movie’s box office prospects look uncertain, with competition from larger, more hyped projects dominating the release calendar.