Daayra is not expected to register a particularly strong opening at the box office, according to film exhibitor and trade analyst Raj Bansal. Assessing the film’s prospects ahead of its theatrical run, Bansal pegged its first-day collection at approximately ₹2.5 crore to ₹3 crore.
Bansal said the current indicators do not point towards an impressive initial for the Meghna Gulzar directorial. “She is one of my favourite directors, no doubt. However, at present, I don’t see the opening being particularly strong. The film looks likely to begin somewhere between ₹2.5 crore and ₹3 crore,” he said.
The opening day, however, may not necessarily determine the film’s eventual fate. Bansal feels Daayra has scope to improve considerably if audiences respond positively to its content.
According to him, Meghna Gulzar’s films can benefit from audience recommendations when the material connects. “If the content finds acceptance, there is definitely room for the film to grow during the weekend. Strong word-of-mouth could even help the business double from its opening-day level,” Bansal said.
He expects the film to begin at close to ₹3 crore before potentially gathering momentum from Saturday. “A ₹3 crore opening appears realistic. If audience feedback is favourable, the second-day collection could be twice that figure, and Sunday could turn out to be a very strong day,” he added.
Bansal also offered his assessment of Kareena Kapoor’s individual box-office pull. While acknowledging her star presence, he does not expect the actor alone to ensure a sizeable first-day turnout. “Kareena Kapoor has her standing as a star, but I don’t think a film relying primarily on her can command a massive solo opening,” he said.
On Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ability to contribute to the initial numbers in the Hindi belt, Bansal was equally measured. “His theatrical pull in North India is limited,” he said.
Going by Bansal’s projection, Daayra could be more dependent on sustained audience appreciation than a large opening-day collection. The crucial test will arrive over Saturday and Sunday, when word-of-mouth could determine whether the film remains around its initial level or witnesses a substantial jump.
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