Abhishek Bachchan’s latest film I Want to Talk faced a tough weekend at the box office, struggling to garner significant audience traction. Despite positive reviews from critics and viewers, the heartfelt drama exploring a father-daughter relationship amidst personal health challenges fell short of financial expectations.
Box Office Collection Day 3
Released in theatres on November 22, 2024, I Want to Talk opened with a modest Rs 25 lakh on its first day. On Saturday, the film experienced a 120% growth, earning Rs 55 lakh, but hopes for a strong Sunday performance were dashed as collections dipped by 3.64%, finishing at just Rs 53 lakh.
The three-day total now stands at Rs 1.33 crore, marking a subdued opening for Abhishek Bachchan’s latest venture.
Regional Occupancy and Screens
The film saw 14.55% occupancy in theatres across Delhi on Sunday, while Mumbai and the NCR regions reported 6.75% and 9.75% respectively. In terms of screens, I Want to Talk was released on 130 screens in Mumbai and over 200 in the NCR. These numbers, however, failed to translate into significant box office returns.
Challenges at the Box Office
The underwhelming performance has been attributed to various factors, particularly the lack of a robust promotional campaign. Beyond the trailer and a few posters shared on social media, the marketing effort for the film appeared limited. This likely hindered its visibility and audience engagement.
Abhishek-Shoojit Collaboration Falls Short
I Want to Talk marks the first collaboration between Abhishek Bachchan and renowned filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, known for critically acclaimed projects such as Piku and Vicky Donor. Unfortunately, this film now holds the distinction of being one of the lowest-performing films in their respective careers.
Industry analysts predict that the film might find a better reception on streaming platforms, where heartfelt narratives like this often resonate more effectively with audiences.
About I Want to Talk
The film centres on Arjun (played by Abhishek Bachchan), a father grappling with a life-altering surgery while trying to mend his relationship with his teenage daughter. The movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Johnny Lever, Ahilya Bamroo, Banita Sandhu, and Pearle Maaney. Produced by Shoojit Sircar and Ronnie Lahiri under the Rising Sun Films banner, the film was expected to tug at heartstrings, yet struggled to draw audiences to cinemas.
Director’s Perspective
Director Shoojit Sircar had high hopes for the project, previously calling it Abhishek’s “best film.” Reflecting on his casting choice, Sircar shared that his decision stemmed from a conversation with Abhishek in Australia, where he saw an endearing innocence reminiscent of the actor’s mother.
Audience Response
Critics and viewers have praised the emotional depth and performances in I Want to Talk, particularly Abhishek’s portrayal of a father navigating emotional turmoil. However, this appreciation has not yet translated into box office success, highlighting a disconnect between the film’s critical acclaim and its marketability.
Future Prospects
With its theatrical performance lagging, the movie’s producers may shift their focus to its digital release. Streaming platforms have increasingly become a haven for films like I Want to Talk, where nuanced and intimate stories find a wider audience over time.
As I Want to Talk struggles at the box office, the spotlight remains on its heartfelt narrative and performances. Whether the film can turn its fortunes around in the digital realm remains to be seen. For now, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the box office and the critical role of strategic promotion in driving success.
