Varun Dhawan’s much-anticipated film Baby John has suffered a major blow at the box office, collecting a disappointing Rs 4.5 crore on its second day. The film, which opened to mixed reviews on Wednesday, has struggled to gain momentum among audiences. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to reign supreme, emerging as the highest-earning film on Thursday with record-breaking collections.
Baby John Fails to Impress
Directed by debutant filmmaker Rajesh Kapoor, Baby John was marketed as a high-octane action thriller with Varun Dhawan in the titular role. The film’s first-day collection stood at Rs 6 crore, and while expectations were high for a stronger second day, it failed to deliver. With Rs 4.5 crore added to its tally, the total earnings for the film now stand at Rs 10.5 crore, which is far below industry projections.
Trade analysts have attributed the underwhelming performance to a lack of compelling storytelling, weak word-of-mouth, and stiff competition from Pushpa 2. “The audience today is very discerning. They want strong content paired with entertainment, and Baby John appears to have missed the mark on both fronts,” says trade expert Taran Adarsh.
Audience Reception and Criticism
While Varun Dhawan’s performance has garnered praise from some quarters, the film’s screenplay and direction have been widely criticized. Social media platforms have been flooded with lukewarm reviews, with viewers calling it “predictable” and “uninspired.”
“I went in expecting an engaging action film, but Baby John was a disappointment. The story lacks depth, and the action sequences felt repetitive,” wrote a viewer on Twitter.
The lackluster reception has also reflected in reduced footfalls at theaters, with multiplexes reporting significant drops in occupancy rates on Day 2.
Pushpa 2: The Rule Takes the Lead
On the other hand, Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has cemented its position as a box office juggernaut. The sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, the film continues to attract audiences in droves, raking in an impressive Rs 40 crore on Thursday alone. The total earnings for the film have already crossed Rs 100 crore within just two days of its release, making it one of the highest openers in Indian cinema this year.
Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2 has been lauded for its gripping narrative, larger-than-life action sequences, and Allu Arjun’s stellar performance as the titular character, Pushpa Raj. The film’s dialogue “Main jhukega nahi” has once again become a cultural phenomenon, resonating strongly with fans.
Clash at the Box Office
The simultaneous release of Baby John and Pushpa 2 was always expected to lead to a box office showdown, but the stark contrast in their performances has surprised many. While Pushpa 2 capitalized on its pre-release hype and loyal fan base, Baby John struggled to find its footing in an already crowded market.
“Releasing a medium-budget film like Baby John alongside a massive franchise like Pushpa 2 was always a risky move. The disparity in scale, star power, and audience anticipation is evident in their collections,” says film analyst Komal Nahta.
Future Prospects
For Baby John, the road ahead looks challenging. With negative word-of-mouth and declining ticket sales, the film’s chances of recovering its production costs appear slim. Analysts predict that it might wrap up its theatrical run with lifetime earnings of Rs 20-25 crore, far below its estimated budget of Rs 50 crore.
Meanwhile, Pushpa 2 shows no signs of slowing down. With the weekend approaching, the film is expected to witness a further surge in collections, especially in its strongholds in the southern markets and overseas territories.
Industry Implications
The contrasting performances of Baby John and Pushpa 2 underscore the evolving dynamics of the Indian box office. Big-budget films with strong narratives and established franchises continue to dominate, leaving little room for smaller or mid-tier films to thrive.
“Audiences are willing to spend on films that offer a complete package of entertainment, emotion, and spectacle. The success of Pushpa 2 and the failure of Baby John highlight the importance of understanding audience preferences in today’s competitive landscape,” adds Adarsh.
Conclusion
As Baby John falters and Pushpa 2 soars, the box office battle serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of audience tastes. While Varun Dhawan’s fans may hold out hope for the actor’s next project, Allu Arjun continues to enjoy his reign as one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. With more big-ticket releases lined up in the coming months, the box office drama is far from over.