Sonu Sood’s much-anticipated action thriller, “Fateh,” hit theaters on January 10, 2025. Directed by Abhinandan Gupta, the film was expected to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline, high-octane action, and the social relevance of its theme—cybercrime. Despite these promising elements, the film has faced challenges at the box office, with a slow start and stiff competition from other blockbuster films.
Here’s a detailed look at the performance of “Fateh” over its first two days, critical reception, and its prospects in the coming weeks.
Day 1: A Modest Start
The opening day collections of “Fateh” were below expectations, earning ₹2.45 crore across India. Despite Sonu Sood’s star power and a dedicated fan base, the film struggled to draw significant crowds. Several factors contributed to this tepid performance, including limited pre-release buzz and the strong competition from other major films like Ram Charan’s “Game Changer” and Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa 2.”
While “Game Changer” raked in a staggering ₹51 crore on its first day, “Pushpa 2,” which has been dominating theaters for weeks, continued to pull audiences, especially in the South Indian market. These competing blockbusters overshadowed “Fateh,” particularly in urban multiplexes.
Fateh Box Office Collection Day 2 Worldwide
On its second day, January 11, 2025, “Fateh” saw a slight improvement in collections, showing some signs of resilience. Early estimates suggest that the film earned between ₹2.5 crore to ₹3 crore domestically, bringing its total two-day collection in India to approximately ₹5 crore.
Overseas, the film garnered modest attention, contributing an estimated ₹0.60 crore on its second day, primarily from markets like the UAE, North America, and Australia. The worldwide gross for “Fateh” now stands at around ₹5.60 crore. While these numbers reflect some growth, they fall short of the benchmarks typically set by action blockbusters in the Indian film industry.
Reasons Behind the Mixed Performance
- Competition from Other Films
One of the biggest hurdles for “Fateh” has been the simultaneous release of high-profile films. “Game Changer,” starring Ram Charan, is a pan-Indian blockbuster that has captivated audiences with its grandeur and mass appeal. Similarly, “Pushpa 2,” despite being in its sixth weekend, remains a crowd-puller, thanks to its strong storyline and the charisma of Allu Arjun. Both films have drawn away a significant portion of the audience that “Fateh” was targeting. - Limited Pre-Release Buzz
While Sonu Sood’s name carries weight in the industry, the promotional efforts for “Fateh” were relatively subdued compared to its competitors. The film lacked a viral marketing campaign, and its trailers and teasers did not generate the level of excitement needed to create a strong opening. - Mixed Critical Reviews
Critical reception to “Fateh” has been mixed, with some praising the action sequences and Sonu Sood’s performance, while others criticized the film for its predictable plot and inconsistent pacing. Many reviewers pointed out that while the film’s theme of cybercrime is timely and relevant, its execution felt lackluster and formulaic.
Critical Reception and Audience Feedback
“Fateh” has received a polarized response from critics and audiences alike. Fans of Sonu Sood have lauded his performance, particularly in the action sequences, where he brings his trademark intensity and screen presence. The supporting cast, which includes Jacqueline Fernandez and others, has also been appreciated for their contributions.
However, several reviewers have noted that the film’s narrative lacks depth, and its attempt to address cybercrime feels superficial. While the subject is significant, the script does not delve deeply enough into the complexities of the issue, instead relying heavily on clichés.
On social media, audience reviews have ranged from positive to indifferent. While some viewers praised the film’s action-packed sequences and Sonu Sood’s commitment, others expressed disappointment over its uninspired storytelling. Word-of-mouth promotion has been slow to pick up, which could impact its weekend collections.
Box Office Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of “Fateh’s” box office performance over its first two days:
- Day 1 (Domestic): ₹2.45 crore
- Day 2 (Domestic): ₹2.5-₹3 crore
- Day 2 (Overseas): ₹0.60 crore
- Total Worldwide Collection (2 Days): ₹5.60 crore
While the second day shows slight growth, the overall numbers are still on the lower side for a film of this scale.
Future Prospects
“Fateh” still has an opportunity to improve its box office performance over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday are typically the most lucrative days for films, as audiences flock to theaters during their leisure time. If the film manages to garner positive word-of-mouth, it could witness a significant spike in collections.
However, the competition remains fierce, with “Game Changer” and “Pushpa 2” continuing their strong runs. Additionally, the upcoming release of Shah Rukh Khan’s “Lionheart” next week could further limit “Fateh’s” window for recovery.
For “Fateh” to sustain itself in the coming weeks, it will need to rely on its core audience—fans of action films and Sonu Sood—as well as improved marketing efforts to draw attention.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Relevant Theme: Cybercrime is a pressing issue, and the film’s attempt to spotlight this subject resonates with modern audiences.
- Star Power: Sonu Sood’s performance remains a highlight and is a significant draw for his fans.
- Action Sequences: The well-choreographed action scenes have been praised for their intensity and execution.
Weaknesses
- Weak Narrative: A predictable storyline and lack of depth have deterred many viewers.
- Marketing Gaps: The film’s promotional strategies were insufficient to build pre-release excitement.
- Strong Competition: With two major films dominating theaters, “Fateh” has struggled to carve out its audience.
Conclusion
“Fateh” has had a mixed start at the box office, with total worldwide collections of approximately ₹5.60 crore by the end of its second day. While the film showcases moments of brilliance, particularly in its action sequences, its overall reception has been lukewarm, hindered by stiff competition and a less-than-stellar narrative.
As the weekend progresses, “Fateh” has the potential to boost its earnings, provided it can capitalize on positive reviews and increased audience turnout. However, the road ahead is challenging, with fierce competition and limited time to establish itself as a box office success.
