In the world of Bollywood, where big releases often dominate headlines, smaller films occasionally find it challenging to make a mark. This scenario has played out recently with Rajveer Deol’s debut film, “Dono,” which failed to create the expected buzz at the box office. Meanwhile, the female-led film, “Thank You for Coming,” managed to capture some attention.
Dono’s Disappointing Box Office Performance
Rajveer Deol, son of Bollywood veteran Sunny Deol, made his debut with “Dono,” which hit theaters on October 6. However, the film struggled to attract audiences from the outset. After an underwhelming opening of Rs 35 lakh, “Dono” failed to gain momentum even during the weekend. On Sunday, the film collected a mere Rs 30 lakh, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. As a result, the three-day collection fell short of even crossing the one crore mark, standing at just Rs 95 lakh.
Critics also appeared unimpressed with “Dono.” Shubhra Gupta from Indian Express, in her review, noted that neither Rajveer nor co-star Paloma Dhillon managed to make a strong impression on screen. She remarked, “Neither Rajveer nor Paloma lift off the screen, even if they aren’t terrible.” Despite an extensive promotional campaign featuring endorsements from Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, and others, the romantic drama couldn’t capitalize on its potential.
Impact of Competition and ‘Thank You for Coming’
“Dono” faced tough competition from other releases on the same day, including “Thank You for Coming” and “Mission Raniganj.” While Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra’s drama attracted an average audience, Bhumi Pednekar’s “chick-flick” managed to hold its own, opening with Rs 1.06 crore.
On Sunday, “Thank You for Coming” directed by Karan Boolani, garnered Rs 1.70 crore, bringing its three-day earnings to a commendable Rs 4.22 crore. The film also features Shehnaaz Gill, Kusha Kapila, Dolly Singh, and Shibani Bedi, and boasts of a cameo by Anil Kapoor. The movie has been compared to the iconic television show “Sex and the City,” but Bhumi Pednekar emphasized that it offers a unique representation of women’s lives and struggles, much like the beloved TV series.
In a landscape dominated by blockbuster releases, “Dono” faced an uphill battle at the box office, while “Thank You for Coming” showcased the enduring appeal of well-made chick flicks. Bollywood audiences continue to have diverse tastes, and smaller films like “Thank You for Coming” can find success by catering to specific niches.