Siddharth Anand’s much-anticipated film, “Fighter,” featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, experienced a less-than-expected opening at the box office, and the director is now shedding light on potential factors contributing to its lukewarm reception. The film, which had a non-holiday release on January 25, failed to replicate the success of Anand’s previous venture, “Pathaan,” released exactly a year earlier with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.
In a recent interview, Anand acknowledged that two key elements might have played a role in Fighter’s tepid debut. Firstly, the film premiered on a working day, and secondly, Anand speculates that the audience might not resonate with the thrill associated with flights and jets, leading to a lack of connection with the storyline.
The director addressed the unrealistic expectations that often accompany film releases, emphasizing the need to align expectations with the actual product. Anand admitted that, as a filmmaker, he also needs to keep his expectations in check, especially given the recent success of “Pathaan.”
Furthermore, Anand delved into the challenges of releasing a film on a weekday, pointing out that Thursday, considered a mid-week day, may have impacted attendance due to work and school commitments. He highlighted the realization during a special screening that a significant portion of potential viewers questioned the feasibility of attending a morning show on a working day.
As the industry grapples with evolving audience preferences and the impact of release timing, Anand’s insights offer valuable perspectives on the complex dynamics influencing a film’s opening performance.
