While the film has received glowing reviews from critics and fans alike, its box office performance remains slower.
By its 13th day, The Smashing Machine is estimated to have earned around ₹108 crore globally, with nearly ₹90 crore coming from North America and ₹18 crore from international markets. On Day 13 alone, the film added around ₹4–5 crore, showing a slight hold compared to the previous day but still maintaining a steady decline in weekday collections.
The film had opened strongly with collections of around ₹49 crore in its first weekend but dropped sharply—nearly 70%—in its second week. The trend suggests that while the movie found appreciation among a niche audience, it hasn’t managed to attract mass footfalls despite Dwayne Johnson’s star power.
Critical Reception
What’s keeping The Smashing Machine alive at the box office is the tremendous word-of-mouth around Dwayne Johnson’s career-defining performance. Critics have called it one of his most powerful and emotional roles, completely contrasting with his usual larger-than-life action image.
Director Benny Safdie’s raw storytelling, the film’s gritty tone, and the use of 16mm cinematography have also drawn praise for capturing the brutal world of MMA with emotional depth and realism.
Verdict
With an estimated total of around ₹108 crore worldwide by Day 13, The Smashing Machine continues its theatrical journey, though at a moderate pace. The film may not be a commercial blockbuster, but it stands tall as one of Dwayne Johnson’s most acclaimed performances and a bold creative leap that cements his versatility as an actor.
If the film continues to hold steady through the coming weekend, it could close its run near the ₹120 crore mark globally — a respectable figure for a serious sports drama competing in a crowded release window.
