Kareena Kapoor Khan’s latest film The Buckingham Murders, a crime thriller directed by Hansal Mehta, continues its journey at the box office. Released on September 13, 2024, the film has garnered attention for its gripping storyline and Kareena’s powerful performance. However, the box office collections tell a different story, with the movie struggling to make a significant impact in terms of numbers.
Performance So Far
On its first day, The Buckingham Murders earned approximately ₹1.15 crore in India, which was considered a slow start for a film with such high expectations. Despite the star power of Kareena Kapoor and positive reviews praising her portrayal of a grieving cop, the film did not see an immediate spike in its box office earnings. Over the weekend, the collections improved slightly, with the film earning ₹1.95 crore on Saturday and ₹2.20 crore on Sunday, bringing the opening weekend total to ₹5.30 crore.
By Day 4, the film had earned an additional ₹0.75 crore, bringing its total earnings to ₹6 crore. Unfortunately, this marked a significant drop from the weekend numbers, with Monday seeing a sharp decline in box office revenue. The film had an average occupancy rate of 10.81% in cinemas across India on Day 4.
Day 5 Collections
On its fifth day, The Buckingham Murders continued to struggle, earning around ₹0.65 crore, bringing its total collection to an estimated ₹6.65 crore. While the film has been appreciated for its storyline and performances, especially by critics, it has not been able to draw large audiences to theaters. The overall collection suggests that the film might face further challenges in maintaining its screen presence amid stiff competition from other films.
Factors Behind the Box Office Performance
There are a few reasons why The Buckingham Murders hasn’t been able to achieve major success at the box office. First, the film is a crime thriller set in the UK, which might not appeal to the wider audience typically drawn to Bollywood dramas or action-packed entertainers. The serious and dark tone of the movie, dealing with grief and loss, may not attract large crowds, especially in a market that often prefers lighter or more action-oriented films.
Additionally, while Kareena Kapoor’s performance has been praised, the film lacks the high-energy promotional campaigns often seen with big Bollywood releases. With more subdued marketing, it has relied heavily on word-of-mouth and critical reviews, which may not be enough to bring in larger audiences quickly.
What’s Working for the Film?
Despite its lukewarm box office performance, The Buckingham Murders has several elements that are receiving widespread praise. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who not only stars in the film but also co-produced it, has been lauded for her nuanced portrayal of a grieving mother and detective. Her character, Jasmeet Bhamra, also known as Jass, is deeply emotional and layered, and Kareena’s performance has been called one of her best in recent years.
The film’s director, Hansal Mehta, is known for creating gripping narratives, and The Buckingham Murders is no different. The plot revolves around a British-Indian detective working in the UK, dealing with the trauma of losing her child while investigating a missing child case in Buckinghamshire. This complex story is both intense and engaging, making it a solid thriller for fans of the genre.
Future Prospects
As the film moves further into its first week, it remains to be seen how it will fare. With several new releases set to hit theaters, including some big-ticket Bollywood films, The Buckingham Murders will face tough competition in retaining its audience. However, the movie’s critical acclaim may help it maintain steady collections, even if they remain on the lower side.
Given the current trends, it seems unlikely that The Buckingham Murders will see a significant surge in box office numbers. However, it may perform better in digital streaming platforms, where crime thrillers often find a niche audience. The film could potentially gain more viewership once it is available on OTT platforms, where audiences might be more inclined to watch a slower, more thought-provoking thriller.
Conclusion
The Buckingham Murders has had a slow start at the box office, with collections hovering around ₹6.65 crore by Day 5. While the film’s gripping narrative and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s stellar performance have earned it critical praise, these factors have not translated into high box office numbers. As it faces increasing competition from other films, The Buckingham Murders will need a strong word-of-mouth boost to keep performing in theaters.
Although the box office performance is not extraordinary, the film may still find success through digital platforms, where its dark, emotional themes and suspenseful story may resonate more with viewers.
