On the first day of its release, Vicky Kaushal’s latest film, “Sam Bahadur,” faced stiff competition from Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal,” directed by Meghna Gulzar. According to sacnilk.com, “Sam Bahadur” collected ₹5.50 crore in India on its opening day, significantly lower than the impressive ₹60 crore earned by “Animal” on Day 1.
Released on December 1, both films had a simultaneous debut at the box office. According to the box office report, “Sam Bahadur” had an overall occupancy of 29.18% for its Hindi version on the opening day.
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the collection figures, stating, “#SamBahadur Fri / Day 1 at national chains… Update: 7 pm… #PVRInox: ₹ 2.80 cr #Cinepolis: ₹ 60 lacs Total: ₹ 3.40 cr.”
“Sam Bahadur” is a biopic based on the life of the first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Alongside Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, Sanya Malhotra portrays his wife, and Fatima Sana Shaikh takes on the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film has garnered praise from audiences, although reviews from critics have been mixed. Vicky Kaushal’s performance has particularly been hailed, and the film’s reception at the box office remains to be seen, especially in comparison to “Animal.”
In a review by The Hindustan Times, the focus was on Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw. The review stated, “If there’s one thing that keeps you hooked to Sam Bahadur, it has to be Vicky Kaushal. After a largely underwhelming year in terms of characters written for him in Govinda Naam Mera, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and The Great Indian Family, Sam Bahadur gives Kaushal just the kind of magic to work that he has showcased in Sardar Udham, Raazi (2018) and Masaan (2015). In the hands of a lesser performer, Manekshaw’s gait, affected vocalisation and widely known effortless charm and quick wit might look like a caricature, but the ever-confident Kaushal maintains a firm grip over the character. His offscreen candour and self-accepting ways translate beautifully into the protagonist’s optimism and unwavering faith in his abilities.”
