Chandu Champion Box Office Collection Day 1: Kartik Aaryan's Sports Biopic Marks His Lowest Opener

Despite receiving positive reviews, Kartik Aaryan's latest film, Chandu Champion, has had a disappointing opening, marking his lowest debut in years. The sports biopic, directed by Kabir Khan, chronicles the life of India's first Paralympics gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar. Kabir Khan, known for blockbusters like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ek Tha Tiger, was looking to bounce back after the underwhelming performances of Tubelight and 83.

Chandu Champion opens to lukewarm start at the box office

According to early estimates from industry tracker Sacnilk, Chandu Champion earned approximately Rs 4.75 crore on its first day. This figure is the lowest for a Kartik Aaryan film since 2015's Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, his breakout hit. By comparison, his last film, Satyaprem Ki Katha, opened with Rs 8.25 crore, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, his first post-pandemic release, debuted with Rs 14.11 crore and eventually grossed Rs 265.5 crore worldwide.

Chandu Champion saw an overall occupancy rate of 16.84 percent, with ticket prices at Rs 150 on Friday. In Mumbai, the film had 723 showings with a 19.25 percent occupancy rate, while in Delhi and NCR, 870 showings resulted in a 19.50 percent occupancy rate.

The film's lackluster opening continues Kabir Khan's streak of disappointing box office results. His previous film, 83, opened with Rs 12.64 crore but its run was impacted by a new wave of the pandemic, ultimately grossing Rs 193 crore globally. Khan has previously directed successful films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ek Tha Tiger, and Tubelight.

Chandu Champion faces competition from Munjya

Despite extensive promotions, Chandu Champion faces stiff competition from the supernatural thriller Munjya, which has been a sleeper hit. On its eighth day, Munjya earned about Rs 3.35 crore, just a crore less than Chandu Champion on its opening day. Munjya managed to make Rs 4 crore on its first day despite limited marketing and the absence of major stars.