Yek Number, a Marathi film starring Tejaswini Pandit and directed by Vishal Devrukhkar, was released on October 10, 2024. The movie, touted as a social drama with a hint of comedy, generated decent pre-release buzz but has struggled to maintain momentum at the box office. As the film completes six days in theaters, its box office numbers reflect a slower-than-expected performance despite its unique storyline.
Budget and Pre-release Buzz
Yek Number was produced on a modest budget of ₹5 crore, a reasonable figure for a regional Marathi film. The promotional campaign, which highlighted the relatable social issues and quirky character interactions, helped create moderate interest among the audience. With Marathi cinema growing in popularity, the film was expected to do reasonably well in its domestic market, especially in Maharashtra.
Day 6 Box Office Collection Worldwide
On Day 6 (October 15, 2024), Yek Number collected an estimated ₹0.13 crore in India, bringing the total domestic net collection to ₹0.72 crore over six days. The worldwide collections remain modest, as the film’s performance outside India has been negligible, mostly limited to specific overseas territories with a Marathi-speaking diaspora. After a slow start on Day 1, the film saw minor growth over the weekend but has been struggling during weekdays.
Box Office Performance Table
| Day | India Net Collection | Worldwide Collection (Gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹0.17 crore | ₹0.19 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹0.09 crore | ₹0.10 crore |
| Day 3 | ₹0.16 crore | ₹0.18 crore |
| Day 4 | ₹0.17 crore | ₹0.19 crore |
| Day 5 | ₹0.13 crore | ₹0.15 crore |
| Day 6 | ₹0.13 crore | ₹0.14 crore |
| Total (6 Days) | ₹0.72 crore | ₹0.95 crore |
Performance Analysis and Challenges
Despite being made on a small budget, Yek Number has not lived up to expectations in terms of box office collections. Several factors have contributed to its below-par performance:
Limited Appeal: While the film’s subject is engaging for a niche audience, it lacks the broader appeal necessary to pull in large crowds, particularly in non-Marathi speaking regions. The lack of pan-India recognition or star power has made it difficult to attract attention outside of Maharashtra.
Strong Competition: Yek Number has faced stiff competition from bigger releases like Devara – Part 1 and Bollywood films such as Jigra, which have performed better at the box office, capturing a significant portion of the audience. These films have bigger budgets and star power, which made it harder for Yek Number to compete in multiplexes and even regional single-screen theaters.
Mixed Reviews: Critics have praised the performances of Tejaswini Pandit and the film’s attempt to tackle social issues, but the screenplay has been criticized for being too slow-paced. The mixed reviews have hurt word-of-mouth publicity, further affecting box office collections, particularly after the initial weekend.
Hit or Flop?
As of now, Yek Number is leaning towards being a box office flop. The film’s total earnings, even after six days, have yet to cross the ₹1 crore mark in India. With a budget of ₹5 crore, it would need to collect significantly more in the coming days to break even. The film’s performance in the upcoming weekend will be crucial in determining whether it can gain any momentum, though the chances remain slim given the current trend.
Conclusion
Yek Number is struggling to make an impact at the box office, with collections remaining low and competition from other films playing a significant role in its underperformance. Despite its interesting premise and solid performances, the film has been unable to attract the attention necessary for it to be considered a hit. With six days gone and the weekend ahead, it remains to be seen if Yek Number can pull in a larger audience and recover from its slow start.
