‘Ground Zero’ Box Office Collection Day 1: Emraan Hashmi’s Real-Life Thriller Opens Modestly Amid Pahalgam Attack Fallout
Real-World Events Impact Audience Sentiment as Film Earns Rs 1–2 Crore on Opening Day
MUMBAI — Emraan Hashmi’s latest release, Ground Zero, opened to a moderate start at the box office, collecting an estimated Rs 1 to Rs 2 crore net on its first day, according to early trade reports. Despite positive critical reception and praise for Hashmi’s restrained performance, the film’s theatrical debut appears to have been overshadowed by real-world events, particularly the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The film, based on the life of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, delves into counter-terror operations in Kashmir and has drawn attention for its grounded storytelling and sensitive treatment of terrorism-related themes.
Muted Advance Bookings and Sensitive Timing
Ground Zero entered cinemas with low pre-release buzz and limited advance bookings, which contributed to its lukewarm opening. Analysts point to the somber national mood in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident, which may have discouraged viewers from engaging with a film so closely linked to Kashmir’s security scenario.
Trade sources also noted that urban centres showed better occupancy, but Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities registered weaker footfall.
Emraan Hashmi Earns Praise for Subtlety
Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced under Excel Entertainment by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the film avoids loud patriotism in favor of a more restrained, character-driven narrative. Hashmi, portraying Commandant Dubey, has been widely praised for delivering one of his most nuanced performances.
The film focuses on the 2003 mission that led to the elimination of Ghazi Baba, mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament and Akshardham attacks — providing historical context without sensationalism.
Weekend Outlook: Hope Rests on Word-of-Mouth and Lack of Competition
While Day 1 figures remain underwhelming — potentially ranking as one of Hashmi’s weakest post-COVID openings after Chehre — analysts remain cautiously optimistic. The absence of major Bollywood competition this weekend offers Ground Zero room to grow.
With slow but steady advance booking trends for Saturday and Sunday, the film could witness an upward trend, particularly in metro cities, provided positive word-of-mouth gains momentum.
