The much-anticipated film Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, hit theaters on January 17, 2025. This historical drama set in pre-independence India has been the talk of the town for various reasons, including the debut of Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, alongside veterans like Ajay Devgn and Diana Penty. The movie narrates the story of a young stable boy and his extraordinary bond with a horse named Azaad, set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for freedom in the 1920s.
Though Azaad comes with a promising premise and the weight of a star-studded cast, its journey at the box office has been met with mixed reactions. In this detailed article, we’ll explore the film’s critical reception, audience feedback, and most importantly, its box office collections for Day 1 and Day 2 to determine whether it can be considered a hit or a flop.
Day 1 Box Office Performance
On its opening day, Azaad earned a modest ₹1.5 crore at the domestic box office. Industry trackers reported an average occupancy rate of 15.02% across major cities, with some regions performing slightly better than others. For a film of this scale and budget, the opening day figures were underwhelming, especially considering the buzz surrounding Ajay Devgn’s extended cameo and the film’s impressive promotional campaigns.
Trade analysts noted that Azaad faced stiff competition from ongoing releases, including Hollywood blockbusters and regional films, which limited its audience reach. Additionally, the relatively niche appeal of its historical subject matter might have contributed to the lackluster opening.
Critical Reception and Reviews
Critics have given Azaad mixed to negative reviews, which may have influenced its box office performance. ABP Live described the film as a “disappointment,” citing issues with its storytelling and execution. The narrative, while ambitious, was criticized for being overly sentimental and failing to maintain a cohesive plot.
On the positive side, the debut performances of Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani were appreciated by some. Aaman’s portrayal of a determined young boy trying to protect his beloved horse resonated with a section of the audience. However, seasoned reviewers felt that the newcomers’ lack of experience showed in the film’s emotionally charged scenes.
Diana Penty and Ajay Devgn’s performances, though impactful, were seen as underutilized, with some calling Ajay’s role more of a glorified cameo than a substantial part. Critics also pointed out that the film relied too heavily on nostalgic tropes, which failed to connect with contemporary audiences.
Azaad Movie Hit or Flop? Box Office Collection Day 2
As of Day 2, Azaad showed a slight uptick in its box office performance. Early estimates suggest collections ranging between ₹1.5 to ₹2 crore. This modest growth can be attributed to the weekend factor, as family audiences tend to visit theaters more on Saturdays and Sundays.
Despite the increase, the numbers remain underwhelming for a film of its scale and budget. Trade experts believe that for Azaad to recover its production costs and be deemed a success, it would need a significant boost in its weekday collections.
Moreover, the film’s long-term box office prospects will depend on word-of-mouth promotion. While the opening weekend is critical for any film, the coming weekdays will determine whether Azaad can sustain itself in a competitive market.
Audience Feedback and Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms have been abuzz with varied reactions to Azaad. While some viewers praised its cinematography and the nostalgic portrayal of pre-independence India, others found the film lacking in depth.
Twitter has seen a divide in opinions, with some fans calling it a “beautifully shot yet underwhelming film” and others appreciating the emotional core of the story. Instagram reels and YouTube shorts have also featured snippets from the movie, with mixed comments ranging from admiration for the lead pair’s chemistry to critiques of the film’s pacing and length.
Interestingly, the emotional bond between the protagonist and the horse has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie. Animal lovers and families have shown a particular interest in this element, making it a potential selling point for younger audiences.
Box Office Challenges and Competition
The Indian box office in January 2025 has been crowded, with several big-ticket releases competing for audience attention. Films from regional industries, including Tamil and Telugu cinema, have been performing exceptionally well, pulling significant numbers even in the Hindi-speaking belt.
Additionally, Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar 3 continue to dominate multiplexes, leaving little room for niche films like Azaad. The lack of a universally appealing storyline has also limited Azaad’s reach to a broader audience.
Can Azaad Turn the Tide?
While the first two days have been far from spectacular, there’s still hope for Azaad to improve its performance. Historically, films with emotional narratives and strong word-of-mouth promotion have managed to turn the tide after a slow start.
The upcoming Republic Day holiday on January 26 might provide a much-needed boost to the film’s collections. If the makers can leverage the patriotic undertones of the story and market it effectively, Azaad could see an uptick in viewership during the holiday period.
Final Verdict: Hit or Flop?
As of now, Azaad is leaning towards being a box office flop, given its underwhelming collections and mixed reviews. However, it is too early to make a definitive judgment. A strong showing over the weekend and in the days leading up to Republic Day could potentially turn the narrative in its favor.
The film’s fate rests on its ability to resonate with audiences and sustain momentum in the coming weeks. For now, Azaad remains a moderate performer with limited chances of becoming a significant hit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Azaad has had a challenging start at the box office, with modest Day 1 and Day 2 collections totaling approximately ₹3.5 crore. While the film’s performances and nostalgic appeal have garnered praise from some quarters, its overall reception has been lukewarm.
Whether Azaad can rise above its early struggles and make a mark at the box office will depend on its ability to attract a larger audience in the coming days. As things stand, the film’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the box office, where even promising projects can falter without the right mix of content and timing.
