So seeing it open to 15-20% occupancy on morning shows of July 15 was genuinely surprising for a lot of people .
Early estimates say the film collected only ₹6.5 crore on its first day . That figure,for franchise this popular and this anticipated,is not a great sign at all.
Trade experts were expecting double-digit opening numbers considering legacy behind this series . But clearly that franchise name alone could not pull crowds in large enough numbers this time.
And the reasons being pointed out are not exactly shocking when you think about it.
Bollywood trade circuit is suggesting that absence of chartbuster soundtrack and repetitive comedic formula might be the main factors behind this cold reception . Essentially,audiences may have seen all of this before and felt no urgency to rush to theaters on day one.
Few things that stand out from opening day situation:
- Opening day collections at ₹6.5 crore are significantly lower than previous franchise entries like Total Dhamaal
- Mixed critical reception with reviewers citing dated script and predictable gags as major drawbacks
- Weekend growth is essential because film requires at least 50% jump on Saturday to stay commercially viable
Critics have been genuinely divided on this one . Some called it nostalgic trip while others labeled it "loud and exhausting" which is not exactly the word of mouth you want spreading on opening day.
Riteish Deshmukh and Arshad Warsi have been praised for their comic timing individually . But when overall screenplay fails to offer anything fresh,even good performers cannot fully save the experience for audiences .
Competition from existing releases also seems to have eaten into potential market share . So it was not just about Dhamaal 4 failing to pull crowds,it was also about other options being available at same time .
Box Office India reports suggest that fate of film now completely depends on family audience response during Saturday and Sunday slots . Producers are hoping mass circuits in North India and Gujarat will provide necessary cushion for lifetime earnings.
If Dhamaal 4 cannot show strong upward trend this weekend,Monday could bring very steep decline . And once that momentum breaks early in theatrical run,recovery becomes really difficult for any film…
Whether loyal franchise fans show up in big numbers over weekend,or whether this becomes one of those cases where legacy name alone just was not enough anymore…that question is still open right now.
