Merry Christmas Box Office Collection: Katrina Kaif’s Film Earns Rs 12.50 Crore in the First Week, Fails to Impress
Merry Christmas, the latest film by acclaimed director Sriram Raghavan, starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, was expected to be a hit among the audiences. However, the film failed to impress the viewers and critics alike, and ended up with a dismal collection of Rs 12.50 crore in its opening week.
What went wrong?
The film, which released on January 12, 2024, had a low opening of Rs 2.45 crore, despite being the only Bollywood release of the week. The film faced tough competition from regional films like Animal, Salaar, and Dunki, which had a huge fan following and buzz. Moreover, the film received mixed reviews from the critics, who praised the performances of the lead actors, but criticized the plot, the pace, and the climax of the film.
The film also suffered from a lack of promotion and marketing, as the makers decided to keep the film’s details under wraps, to maintain the suspense and mystery. However, this strategy backfired, as the film failed to generate curiosity and excitement among the potential viewers. The film’s music, composed by Pritam, also did not create any impact, as the songs were not catchy or memorable.
The film’s genre, which was a blend of romance, thriller, and dark comedy, also did not appeal to the masses, who preferred more conventional and entertaining films. The film’s story, which revolved around a single mother (Katrina Kaif) and a mysterious stranger (Vijay Sethupathi) who meet on a Christmas Eve and get involved in a series of violent and bizarre events, was too complex and confusing for the average viewer.
Check out Merry Christmas Box Office Collection
| Day | Collection (in crore) | Growth/Drop (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 2.45 | – |
| Saturday | 3.45 | +40.82 |
| Sunday | 3.83 | +11.01 |
| Monday | 1.65 | -56.92 |
| Tuesday | 1.30 | -21.21 |
| Wednesday | 1.15 | -11.54 |
| Thursday | 0.67 | -41.74 |
| Total | 12.50 | – |
How did the Merry Christmas film perform?
The film showed a slight growth on the second and third days of its release, earning Rs 3.45 crore and Rs 3.83 crore respectively. However, the film witnessed a sharp drop on Monday, earning only Rs 1.65 crore. The film continued to decline on the following days, earning Rs 1.3 crore and Rs 1.15 crore on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. The film’s total collection after seven days was Rs 12.50 crore, which was way below the expectations and the budget of the film.
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The film’s performance was also poor in the overseas markets, where it collected only Rs 3.75 crore in its first week. The film’s worldwide collection was Rs 16.25 crore, which was not enough to recover the film’s cost of production and distribution.
What is the future of the film?
The film has no chance of improving its collection in the coming days, as it faces stiff competition from new releases like Pushpa, The Matrix Resurrections, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, which are expected to dominate the box office. The film is likely to end its theatrical run with a lifetime collection of less than Rs 20 crore, making it one of the biggest flops of the year.
The film’s poor performance is a setback for the director Sriram Raghavan, who is known for his critically acclaimed films like Andhadhun, Badlapur, and Johnny Gaddaar. The film is also a disappointment for the lead actors Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, who had high hopes from the film, as it was their first collaboration and their first film in a dual language (Hindi and Tamil).
The film’s failure also raises questions about the viability of experimental and unconventional films in the Indian market, where the audience still prefers formulaic and masala films. The film’s fate also shows the importance of effective promotion and marketing, as well as positive word-of-mouth, for the success of any film.
Merry Christmas, which was supposed to be a genre-defying tale of romance, suspense, and humor, turned out to be a box office disaster, due to its weak story, poor execution, and lack of appeal. The film failed to live up to the expectations of the fans and the critics, and ended up as a forgettable affair. The film’s dismal collection also reflects the changing preferences and tastes of the Indian audience, who are more inclined towards content-driven and entertaining films, rather than experimental and niche films.
