Two comedy films clashed at the box office on Friday, January 16, as Vir Das’ Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos went head-to-head with Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma’s Rahu Ketu. Despite being modestly budgeted entertainers, both films opened to encouraging numbers, crossing the ₹1 crore mark on their first day.
Early audience feedback and decent occupancy helped both releases register respectable starts, with Happy Patel emerging slightly ahead in the opening-day race.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos Box Office Collection Day 1
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos earned approximately ₹1.25 crore on its opening day, giving it a narrow edge over its box office competitor.
Co-directed by and starring Vir Das, the offbeat spy comedy received an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC, limiting its reach to adult audiences. Despite this restriction, the film managed a solid opening, driven by Vir Das’ popularity and positive word-of-mouth.
Backed by Aamir Khan Productions, the film also features special cameo appearances by Aamir Khan and Imran Khan, adding to audience curiosity. Happy Patel is reportedly made on a budget of around ₹25 crore.
The film stars:
- Vir Das in the titular role
- Mona Singh as Mama, the don of Panjor
- Mithila Palkar as Rupa
- Sharib Hashmi as Geet
Aamir Khan appears as Don Jimmy, while Imran Khan plays Milind Morea.
Rahu Ketu Box Office Collection Day 1
Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma’s Rahu Ketu opened with an estimated ₹1 crore on Day 1. While the opening is respectable, it falls short of the duo’s breakout hit Fukrey, which had collected ₹2.50 crore on its first day.
The film, directed and written by Vipul Vig, is reportedly made on a budget of ₹20–25 crore. It is produced by Umesh Kumar Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh, Suraj Singh, and Varsha Kukreja under the banners of Zee Studios and BLive Productions.
The cast includes:
- Pulkit Samrat
- Varun Sharma
- Chunky Panday
- Shalini Pandey
About Rahu Ketu
Rahu Ketu is a comedy-adventure inspired by Indian folklore, blending fantasy, humour, and cultural elements. The story revolves around Rahu and Ketu—two lovable yet clueless characters born from writer Churu Lal’s magical notebook. Their chaotic journey to recover the notebook from the cunning Meenu Taxi leads them into dangerous territory involving a drug mafia, self-discovery, and unexpected twists about their true origins.
Box Office Verdict So Far
While Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos has taken a slight lead on Day 1, both films have shown potential with their opening numbers. The real test will depend on weekend growth and sustained word-of-mouth, especially given the comedy genre’s reliance on audience response.
With contrasting tones—adult humour versus folklore-driven family comedy—the coming days will determine which film manages to gain long-term box office momentum.
