The Akshay Kumar-led comedy Khel Khel Mein got off to a slow start at the box office on its opening day, earning around Rs 5 crore net across India, according to Sacnilk.com. Released on the Independence Day holiday, the film had an overall 40.26 percent occupancy in Hindi on Thursday, August 15, 2024. While this figure is slightly higher than some industry predictions, it falls short of expectations for an Akshay Kumar film, especially one released on a national holiday.
The film’s performance picked up during the noon and evening shows, which compensated for the lukewarm response in the early morning. Initially, the box office was tracking at around Rs 4 crore, as reported by Pinkvilla.com, but improved as the day progressed, particularly in urban multiplexes. However, Khel Khel Mein struggled in single-screen theaters, likely due to its urban-centric genre and limited release outside major chains.
Given this start, it’s crucial for Khel Khel Mein to maintain consistent numbers over the next few days, especially during the extended five-day weekend. The film will need to capitalize on the lack of major new releases in the coming weeks to build momentum and reach a respectable total by the end of its run.
Early audience reactions have been relatively positive in urban areas, which could bode well for the film’s performance over the next few days. However, the real test lies in whether the film can sustain its box office numbers and compete effectively with other releases. Notably, the John Abraham and Sharvari-led Vedaa managed to slightly outperform Khel Khel Mein on its opening day, which is significant given the strong competition this holiday season.
News18 Showsha awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars. Our review praised Akshay Kumar’s return to comedy, five years after Housefull 4. The review noted, “You can definitely give it a watch as it marks Akshay’s return to comedy… Look out for the scene where he has a conversation with his daughter who asks if she should break her virginity. He’s daddy cool, for sure! By the end of it, Khel Khel Mein becomes a film about acceptance and subtly makes a statement on how there’s no right and wrong when it comes to relationships. The film celebrates the grey and the messy perfection of marriages and friendships.”
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