Action thriller "Haiwaan" recorded a muted opening day at the domestic box office, netting approximately ₹3 crore across national multiplex chains and single-screen theatres despite aggressive pre-release promotional tours and a high-profile ensemble cast, according to box office tracking figures published by The Times of India.
The film, directed by an established commercial filmmaker, debuted across roughly 2,500 screens nationwide. Box office analysts reported sluggish morning and afternoon show occupancies hovering between 12% and 15%, with modest pick-up during evening shows in primary urban circuits including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab.
Trade analysts attribute the underwhelming commercial start to mixed critical reviews and lukewarm word-of-mouth regarding the film's familiar revenge plotline and excessive runtime. Additionally, stiff competition from holdover domestic releases and major Hollywood action blockbusters limited the title's screen share across prime evening showtimes.
Exhibitors noted that the film's commercial recovery will depend heavily on whether weekend collections can register substantial double-digit growth. Film industry trade observers emphasize that in an evolving theatrical landscape, star power alone is increasingly insufficient to guarantee strong opening footfalls without compelling storytelling and positive audience sentiment.
