Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has finally hit the silver screens, and despite poor reviews and another controversial song remake, the film managed to bring in a decent opening at the box office. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film’s India net collection on Day 1 stood at Rs 9.25 crore. While it’s nowhere near the opening of blockbusters like Kantara or War 2, this is still considered a solid start for the Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer.
Shashank Khaitan’s Direction and Past Collaborations
The movie is helmed by Shashank Khaitan, who has previously directed Varun Dhawan in Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, and Janhvi Kapoor in Dhadak. With such past collaborations, expectations were naturally high.
However, the film was kneecapped by reviews as soon as they started pouring in. Many viewers and critics felt that the romantic comedy lacked freshness and failed to present anything new to the audience.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Relief with Day 1 Performance
For Janhvi Kapoor, the Rs 9.25 crore opening is a small relief. Her previous film Param Sundari, also featuring Sidharth Malhotra, opened to Rs 7.25 crore on its first day.
- Param Sundari’s overall collection: Rs 51.28 crore (India net)
- Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’s opening: Rs 9.25 crore (India net)
This indicates a stronger start for Janhvi compared to her last release, giving her fans and the production team hope for better box office momentum.
Varun Dhawan’s Bumpy Track Record
On the other hand, Varun Dhawan has had a rough patch lately. His last outing, Baby John, turned out to be a box office disaster.
- Baby John’s total collection: Rs 39.5 crore (India net)
- Reception: Poor reviews and sharp drop in shows after the first week
With Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Varun will be hoping to redeem himself and get back into the good books of both fans and the industry.
Day 1 Show Count Across India
The film opened with over 3000 shows nationwide. Major urban centers like Delhi NCR and Mumbai contributed heavily to the screening numbers.
- Delhi NCR: 711 shows
- Mumbai: 535 shows
This widespread release ensured a reasonable occupancy rate, even with mixed reviews affecting walk-ins.
Occupancy Rate Details
The occupancy rate for the film averaged 34.08% across the day. The trends showed gradual improvement from morning to evening:
- Morning shows: 14.77%
- Afternoon shows: 38.93%
- Evening shows: 43.65%
- Night shows: 38.95%
These numbers reflect growing audience interest as the day progressed, especially in the evening prime slots.
Production and Backing
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is produced by Dharma Productions, a banner known for its strong influence in the Bollywood industry. With Karan Johar backing the project and Shashank Khaitan directing, the film had all the right ingredients for a major theatrical debut.
Star-Studded Cast
Apart from Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead, the film boasts a talented supporting cast, including:
- Rohit Saraf
- Sanya Malhotra
- Maniesh Paul
- Abhinav Sharma
- Akshay Oberoi
This ensemble gives the film both comic relief and emotional weight, adding to its overall appeal.
Comparison with Recent Releases
When compared to other recent Bollywood films, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’s opening is neither a blockbuster nor a flop. It sits in the middle tier of box office openings, giving it potential to grow with word of mouth and weekend collections.
- Param Sundari: Rs 7.25 crore (Day 1)
- Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Rs 9.25 crore (Day 1)
- Baby John: Disastrous run at Rs 39.5 crore total
This shows a slight upward trend for both Janhvi and Varun, making this film a crucial test for their careers.
Future Box Office Prospects
The real test for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari will be in the coming days. Strong weekend numbers could cement its success, while a drop in collections may confirm the critics’ skepticism.
Factors that may influence the future:
- Word of mouth buzz
- Audience reception in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
- Competition from other releases
- Repeat viewership from families and young audiences
Final Word
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari may not have started with explosive numbers, but its Rs 9.25 crore debut gives it a decent launchpad. Despite mixed reviews and criticisms about lack of originality, the Varun Dhawan–Janhvi Kapoor pairing has drawn audiences to theatres.
With Shashank Khaitan’s direction, Dharma’s production, and a star-packed cast, the film has all the right tools. The next few days will decide whether it can sustain momentum and turn into a surprise success story at the box office.
