New Delhi: The box office is gearing up for two new releases this week, with Yami Gautam Dhar-starrer Nayyi Navelli and Rajkummar Rao-starrer Prahaar expected to register modest opening-day collections. While trade predictions vary for the two films, industry observers believe that audience response and word of mouth will ultimately determine their box office fortunes.
In an exclusive conversation with News9 Digital, Film exhibitor and trade analyst Raj Bansal said that Nayyi Navelli has an edge over Prahaar on the opening day. According to his estimates, the horror-comedy could collect between Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 3 crore, while the Rajkummar Rao film may open at approximately Rs 2 crore.
Bansal pointed out that Rajkummar Rao’s solo releases have generally not commanded strong opening-day numbers. However, he believes Prahaar, a biographical drama based on well-known public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, could generate curiosity among audiences because of its subject, helping it secure an opening of around Rs 2 crore.
He maintained that Nayyi Navelli is better positioned to take the lead at the ticket windows, although the performance of both films beyond the opening day would depend on their content.
Producer and trade analyst Girish Johar, meanwhile, has a slightly different assessment. He told us that Nayyi Navelli to collect between Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 3.5 crore on its opening day, citing the film’s genre, family appeal and existing audience awareness as factors working in its favour.
“The film has a good fan following, and with filmmakers like Aanand L. Rai associated with it, the awareness level is decent,” Johar said. He noted that the film is being promoted as a family entertainer and that its horror-comedy elements could help attract audiences.
Johar is more optimistic about Prahaar than Bansal, projecting an opening-day collection of Rs 3.5 crore to Rs 4 crore. While praising Rajkummar Rao’s acting abilities, he observed that the film’s trailer suggests a stronger appeal among metropolitan audiences.
According to Johar, the film’s box office trajectory will depend heavily on its content and the word of mouth it generates after release.
The differing estimates underline the uncertainty surrounding the two releases. While Balaji Mohan directed Nayyi Navelli appears to enjoy an advantage because of its family-friendly positioning and horror-comedy genre, Avinash Arun Dhaware directed Prahaar will be banking on its subject and Rajkummar Rao’s performance to draw audiences.
With neither film expected to deliver a bumper opening, the crucial test will be whether positive audience feedback translates into stronger collections over the weekend. Both trade experts agree that content will ultimately decide which film enjoys a better run at the box office.
