Mardaani 3 Box Office Collection Day 1: A Muted Start Amid High Expectations
On Friday, January 30, Rani Mukerji's much-anticipated cop drama, Mardaani 3, made its theatrical debut across India. The film, which is the latest installment in the popular franchise, faced a direct box office clash with Sunny Deol's Border 2. Despite high expectations from fans and critics alike, Mardaani 3 experienced a relatively muted opening day, though it garnered positive audience reviews.
Day 1 Collection Figures and Occupancy Rates
According to live updates from the industry tracker Sacnilk, Mardaani 3 managed to rake in approximately ₹76 lakh by 3 pm on its opening day. This initial figure is based on early reports and is subject to change as final numbers will be released after the night shows conclude. In terms of audience turnout, the film witnessed an occupancy rate of about 8.97% during the morning shows, indicating a slow but steady start.
It is important to note that these inputs are derived from live tracking and may be revised. The final collection tally will provide a clearer picture of the film's performance on day one.
Mardaani 3 vs Border 2: Screen Presence and Show Counts
The box office clash between Mardaani 3 and Border 2 has been a topic of keen interest in the film industry. In terms of screen presence, Mardaani 3 opened with a comparatively limited number of shows across key markets when pitted against Border 2.
- In major urban centers, Mardaani 3 logged the highest show counts in Delhi NCR with 521 shows, Mumbai with 375 shows, and Bengaluru with 231 shows.
- However, Border 2 dominated the mass circuits, clocking a significantly higher number of shows in Delhi NCR at 1,270 and Mumbai at 851, which are two crucial regions for any Hindi film release.
- Other cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, and Pune also saw Border 2 running on more screens compared to Mardaani 3, highlighting the competitive landscape.
Advance Booking Response and Future Prospects
The earnings of Mardaani 3 are expected to improve throughout the day, buoyed by a steady response during pre-release ticket sales. According to Sacnilk's advance report, the film registered a gross of ₹1.16 crore from advance bookings in the Hindi 2D format across India. This amount was generated from the sale of 39,056 tickets over 5,024 shows, with an average ticket price recorded at ₹234.
When considering block seats, the advance booking figures came close to ₹2.33 crore, suggesting a solid foundation for the film's opening business. Given the positive reception to the trailer and promotional events, Mardaani 3 is anticipated to see a bigger opening as the weekend progresses.
Critical Acclaim and Performance Highlights
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh praised Mardaani 3 as a content-driven film, describing it as intense, relevant, and captivating. In his review shared on X, formerly Twitter, he highlighted Rani Mukerji's return in top form, delivering a ferocious and no-holds-barred performance. He commended the film as a gripping battle of courage and justice.
Adarsh also lauded director Abhiraj Minawala for mounting a taut, hard-hitting thriller that stays true to the soul of the franchise. He noted that the narrative is razor-sharp for the most part, with relentless tension and emotional beats that land with force. However, he pointed out some areas for improvement, suggesting that the writing could have been sharper in parts, particularly in the post-interval portions where the antagonists' track might have been explained more simply. Additionally, while the Colombo track in the concluding portions is interesting, the sequences leading up to it could have been written with greater conviction.
Despite these minor critiques, it is Rani Mukerji's performance that has captured everyone's attention. Adarsh emphasized that she is simply outstanding, with a commanding screen presence, steely resolve, and remarkable emotional depth. He remarked that she owns every frame, reminding audiences why Shivani Shivaji Roy remains one of Hindi cinema's most iconic cop characters.
Other cast members also received praise, with Mallika Prasad as Amma described as terrifying and highly effective, fully rising to the challenge of the role. Prajesh Kashyap as Ramanujan impressed as well, and the casting of these actors was noted as a major strength of the film, adding an element of surprise. Janki Bodiwala as Fatima put in a confident and commendable performance. The background score by John Stewart Eduri was highlighted as top-notch, and the action choreography further elevated the experience.
In conclusion, Adarsh stated that Mardaani 3 is a worthy addition to the franchise and a must-watch for fans of gritty, content-driven cinema. With its blend of critical acclaim and steady box office start, the film is poised to attract more viewers over the coming days.
