Divya Khosla Kumar and Neil Nitin Mukesh’s latest black comedy thriller, Ek Chatur Naar, hit the screens on September 12, 2025. Directed by Umesh Shukla, the film had audiences curious due to its intriguing plot, quirky storyline, and star cast. However, its opening day collections indicate a modest start amid stiff competition at the box office. Critics are watching closely to see how the audience reception evolves over the weekend.
Opening Day Performance
Ek Chatur Naar minted Rs 50 lakh on its first day, according to Sacnilk industry trackers. The film faced heavy competition from existing Bollywood and Hollywood releases, which have maintained a strong audience hold, including family dramas and superhero blockbusters. Despite the challenges, fans in major cities flocked to theaters to catch the premiere. Analysts suggest that the film’s unique genre and comic timing may gradually attract more viewers as positive reviews spread.
Occupancy Rate Insights
The film recorded an overall occupancy of 22.74% on day one, showing a moderate start for a niche thriller. Morning shows saw a modest 16.66% occupancy, which rose to over 22% during afternoon screenings, indicating early curiosity translating into steady viewership. Evening and night shows showed a mix of 20.87% and 30.71%, respectively, suggesting that cinema-goers are picking prime time slots to enjoy the movie. The numbers hint that word-of-mouth and social media buzz could play a crucial role in sustaining momentum.
City-wise Box Office Trends
Hyderabad recorded the highest occupancy with 39.25%, followed by Chennai at 35.50%, reflecting strong southern audience engagement. Delhi and Mumbai saw relatively lower numbers, 29.25% and 17.50% respectively, highlighting regional preferences and urban viewing patterns. These variations could influence promotional strategies in coming days. Industry insiders are keeping an eye on how secondary cities like Pune and Jaipur respond over the weekend.
Star Appeal and Audience Reception
Neil Nitin Mukesh and Divya Khosla Kumar’s presence brought initial buzz to the movie, thanks to their strong fan following and prior box-office hits. Fans appreciated the quirky premise, witty dialogues, and Umesh Shukla’s comedic timing in direction. Industry experts suggest that while the opening day is modest, weekend collections and positive word-of-mouth could significantly impact its total run. The cast’s interactive promotions and social media campaigns are likely to maintain audience interest and curiosity.
Weekend Expectations and Box Office Forecast
With the weekend ahead, Ek Chatur Naar has the potential to pick up momentum and attract a larger audience, especially families and comedy lovers. Analysts predict that city-specific promotions, online reviews, and theater discounts could boost collections. It remains to be seen whether the black comedy thriller can sustain viewership and convert initial curiosity into box office success. Some experts are optimistic, citing Umesh Shukla’s prior hits that gained traction after the first day.
Critical Buzz and Viewer Reactions
Early reviews of Ek Chatur Naar highlight its clever writing, comic timing, and engaging performances, particularly from Neil Nitin Mukesh. Critics praised Divya Khosla Kumar’s screen presence and the film’s ability to balance humor with suspense. On social media, fans have been sharing memes and dialogues, amplifying visibility online. The movie may gain momentum if this digital chatter continues to grow, potentially turning the slow start into a steady run. Viewer reactions suggest that its blend of black comedy and thriller elements is resonating with a segment of the audience looking for fresh content.
