Mastiii 4, the newest entry in the beloved Masti franchise, opened at the box office with a modest Rs 2.5 crore on its first day. Featuring the iconic comic trio Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, and Vivek Oberoi, the film was expected to pull attention through nostalgia, humour, and the return of popular characters. However, despite the buzz around the comeback, the adult-comedy failed to create a strong impact with moviegoers. Early trends indicate mixed reactions from audiences, which affected its opening-day earnings.
Slow Start Despite Strong Star Power and Franchise Legacy
Even with Riteish, Aftab, and Vivek reprising their signature comic chemistry after almost nine long years, Mastiii 4 has not lived up to box-office expectations. Directed by Milap Zaveri, the film attempts to revive the brand of adult humour that once made the franchise a hit among the youth. However, growing competition, shifting audience preferences, and the saturation of adult comedies seem to have contributed to its underperformance. Trade experts believe that although the cast enjoys strong fan loyalty, the promotional campaign and trailer did not generate the level of excitement typically required for a solid opening.
Low Occupancy Throughout the Day Affects Collection
According to official box-office trackers, Mastiii 4 recorded low occupancy rates across the country on its opening Friday. The film saw:
- Morning Shows: 5.55% footfall
- Afternoon Shows: 9.06%
- Evening Shows: 9.91%
- Night Shows: 15.40%
With an overall occupancy of 9.98% in the Hindi belt, the film struggled to draw crowds even in key metro cities. Analysts suggest that working-day releases often face slow openings, but the lack of strong advance bookings and limited walk-ins speak to the film’s lukewarm reception. Evening and night shows saw a slight upward shift, but not enough to make a major difference to the overall Day 1 earnings.
Comparing Mastiii 4 to Previous Franchise Installments
The Masti franchise has had an interesting box-office journey. The first film, Masti (2004), became a cult favourite for its quirky storyline and bold humour, while Grand Masti (2013) turned into a massive blockbuster, collecting Rs 12.5 crore on Day 1 and earning over Rs 100 crore worldwide. However, the third instalment in 2016 saw a dramatic drop in reception, earning only Rs 2.5 crore on its opening day.
Mastiii 4 repeating the same number indicates a continued decline in the franchise’s momentum. The repetitive adult-comedy format and predictable jokes have struggled to impress modern audiences who are now leaning toward smarter, more innovative humour. Additionally, competition from OTT platforms, which offer edgier content, has made theatrical comedies more challenging to succeed.
Promotional Events, Media Buzz, and Audience Response
To boost visibility, the Mastiii 4 team rolled out extensive promotional activities, including interviews, social-media campaigns, and a special on-ground event in Jaipur, where the cast interacted with fans. Despite these efforts, the buzz did not translate into mass footfall. Audience reviews on social media have been mixed, with many praising the trio’s chemistry but criticizing the film’s writing and lack of freshness. Word-of-mouth will play a crucial role in determining whether the film picks up momentum over the weekend.
What Lies Ahead for Mastiii 4?
With a slow opening, the film’s hope now rests on Saturday and Sunday numbers. If the comedy manages to attract family and youth audiences during the weekend, it may see a decent jump. However, given the current trends, matching the earlier success of Grand Masti appears unlikely. Much will depend on how well the humour resonates beyond the franchise’s core fanbase.
