The much-anticipated romantic comedy starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri', is facing a challenging start at the domestic box office. Early indicators point towards a potentially disappointing single-digit opening day collection, as the film struggles against formidable competition and limited showcasing.
Advance Booking Figures Paint a Grim Picture
According to industry reports, the film has garnered an estimated Rs 1.81 crore in advance bookings ahead of its release on Christmas Day. Data suggests that approximately 47,000 tickets have been sold across 2,713 shows nationwide. When blocked seats are included, the total advance booking figure is estimated to be around Rs 2.83 crore. These numbers, which opened recently, are significantly lower than expected for a festive season release featuring popular young stars.
Stiff Competition and Limited Screen Availability
The film, directed by Sameer Vidwans, has found itself in an intensely competitive marketplace. It is battling for audience attention and screen space against two major releases: Ranveer Singh's action-packed 'Dhurandhar' and James Cameron's global spectacle 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. The latter, in particular, has commandeered a significant share of premium screens and overall box office collections across India.
This intense competition has directly impacted the showcasing of 'Tu Meri Main Tera'. The film has been allotted fewer shows, especially in key urban centres and multiplexes, which are crucial for a romantic comedy's success. The limited screen availability has severely restricted its opportunity to grow and attract walk-in audiences.
Projected Opening and Kartik Aaryan's Track Record
Initial box office predictions had set a target of around Rs 9 crore net for the film's opening day. However, given the current trend in advance sales and the challenging release environment, trade analysts now expect the movie to open in the range of Rs 5 crore net. If this holds true, it will fall into the single-digit opening bracket, a concerning outcome for its theatrical run.
This performance stands in contrast to Kartik Aaryan's recent successes. The actor delivered a massive Rs 36 crore opening with 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' and a solid Rs 14 crore opening with 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2'. However, outside these horror-comedy franchises, his films have typically opened below the Rs 10 crore mark. Early reports indicate that 'Tu Meri Main Tera' is unlikely to break past the Rs 10 crore threshold on day one.
The coming days will be critical for the film's fate. Its performance during the extended Christmas weekend will determine whether it can overcome the slow start and find its audience amidst the ongoing box office clash. The industry is keenly watching to see if word-of-mouth can turn the tide for this romantic comedy.
