Siddharth Anand’s much-anticipated directorial venture, “Fighter,” featuring the dynamic duo of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, hit the silver screen on January 25, just a day before Republic Day. This action-packed film, crafted with a staggering budget of ₹250 crore, has been a subject of keen interest among cinephiles, owing to its star-studded cast and promising storyline. However, despite the initial buzz and anticipation, “Fighter” seems to be grappling with a decline in its box office performance in recent days.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film has witnessed a notable dip in its box office collections over the past few days. Within its 16-day theatrical run in India, “Fighter” has managed to amass a net collection of ₹189.31 crore. On its 16th day in theaters, the film garnered a relatively modest sum of ₹1.81 crore, as estimated by Sacnilk. Despite a commendable second-week performance, where the film garnered ₹41 crore, its momentum seems to have slowed down compared to its earlier days.
The overseas collection of “Fighter” also deserves mention, contributing significantly to its overall earnings. With a gross collection of ₹225 crore in India and an overseas collection totaling ₹90 crore, the film’s worldwide earnings stand at an impressive ₹315 crore. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and other factors affecting theater footfall, “Fighter” has managed to hold its ground in the global box office arena.
The film’s performance in terms of occupancy also reflects its fluctuating fortunes. On February 9, the film recorded an overall occupancy of 13.97% for its Hindi version, indicating a decline compared to its earlier days of release. Notably, “Fighter” witnessed its highest collection on Republic Day, raking in ₹39.5 crore, a significant leap from its opening day earnings of ₹22.5 crore. During its debut week, the film showcased considerable strength, minting ₹146.5 crore, setting high expectations for its future trajectory.
At the heart of “Fighter” lies a compelling narrative featuring Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, alias Patty, and Deepika Padukone portraying Squadron Leader Minal Rathore, also known as Minni. The film also stars the seasoned actor Anil Kapoor, essaying the role of Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh, popularly known as Rocky. The stellar performances of these seasoned actors add depth and intensity to the film’s storyline, captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry and charisma.
The storyline of “Fighter” revolves around the Balakot airstrike conducted by the Indian Armed Forces near the town of Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This daring counter-airstrike targeted the alleged largest camp of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), in retaliation to a heinous terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of nearly 40 CRPF soldiers. “Fighter” offers a gripping portrayal of this pivotal moment in Indian history, showcasing the valor and bravery of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s security and integrity.
Produced by Viacom18 Studios in collaboration with Marflix Pictures, “Fighter” boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi, who deliver commendable performances in their respective roles. Notably, “Fighter” marks the first on-screen collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, two powerhouse performers known for their versatility and charm.
Despite its ups and downs at the box office, “Fighter” continues to resonate with audiences for its riveting storyline, high-octane action sequences, and stellar performances. As the film continues its theatrical run, it remains to be seen how it will fare in the weeks to come, and whether it will surpass expectations to emerge as a blockbuster hit in the Indian film industry.