Mumbai: Vikrant Massey’s much-anticipated film ‘The Sabarmati Report,’ released on November 15, is facing a tough time at the box office. Despite a production budget of ₹50 crores and endorsements from prominent figures, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of several states, the film has only managed to gross ₹11 crores in its first week.
With such underwhelming numbers, the film appears to be heading toward the dreaded category of commercial failures, a major disappointment for Balaji Motion Pictures.
A Disappointing Start and Continued Struggle
The film opened to a weak first-day collection of just ₹1.25 crores, with hopes of gaining momentum over the weekend. However, it remained confined to daily earnings of ₹1-2 crores, failing to generate the buzz needed for a box-office hit.
On its seventh day, Thursday, the film earned a modest ₹72 lakhs, bringing its total first-week collection to approximately ₹11 crores, far below its production cost. This lackluster performance signals that the film is unlikely to recover its investment.
Storyline and Star Cast
‘The Sabarmati Report’ delves into the events surrounding the 2022 Godhra incident, presenting a gripping narrative about the socio-political repercussions of the tragedy.
- Vikrant Massey takes on the lead role as an investigative journalist grappling with the complexities of the incident.
- Riddhi Dogra portrays a manipulative reporter, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline.
- Rashi Khanna also features in a pivotal role, enhancing the ensemble cast.
Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures, the film’s powerful subject matter and strong performances garnered critical acclaim but failed to resonate with the masses.
Critical Acclaim vs. Box Office Reality
While ‘The Sabarmati Report’ earned praise for its intense storyline and socially relevant themes, its failure to attract audiences highlights the gap between critical acclaim and commercial success.
Factors contributing to the film’s struggle include:
- Lack of pre-release buzz despite high-profile endorsements.
- Competition from other releases dominating theaters.
- Limited appeal of the subject matter to general audiences.
A Tough Road Ahead
With a daily collection averaging below expectations, the film’s trajectory indicates a steep climb to recover its budget. Despite its strong message and stellar performances, ‘The Sabarmati Report’ serves as a reminder of how challenging the box office landscape can be.
As the film continues its theatrical run, its producers and cast will hope for a miracle to salvage its financial standing. However, it seems likely that this socially charged drama may find more appreciation on digital platforms than in theaters.
