Mumbai: Returning to the big screen with their signature chaotic chemistry, Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma headlined the release of Rahu Ketu this Friday, January 16, 2026. Despite the significant pre-release nostalgia for the “Fukrey” pair, the film witnessed a relatively quiet start at the box office. Early trade estimates suggest that the Vipul Vig directorial earned approximately ₹0.65 to ₹1.00 Crore (Net India) on its opening day.
Occupancy and Regional Trends
The film’s performance was largely driven by morning and afternoon shows in northern circuits, with overall Hindi occupancy confirmed at a modest 4.12%.
- Top Performing Regions: Hyderabad and Chennai saw surprising spikes with 19% and 52% occupancy respectively, largely due to the “mythological social comedy” tag.
- Metro Markets: Mumbai and Delhi-NCR reported a steady but low 5-7% occupancy, facing stiff competition from Vir Das’s Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos (which opened slightly higher at ~₹75 Lakhs) and the ongoing run of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar.
The Bromance Factor vs. Critical Reception
The film relies heavily on the tried-and-tested camaraderie of Pulkit (Ketu) and Varun (Rahu). While critics praised their “unforced chemistry,” the narrative—which blends small-town Himachal folklore with fantasy—received mixed reviews.
- The Positives: Shalini Pandey (Meenu Taxi) and Piyush Mishra (Foofa) were noted as standout performers who added depth to the slapstick chaos.
- The Challenges: Facing a three-way clash with Happy Patel and One Two Cha Cha Chaa, Rahu Ketu struggled to dominate multiplex screens.
Key Highlights Box:
- Day 1 Collection: ₹0.65 – ₹1.00 Crore (Estimates).
- Budget: ₹25 Crore (Production by Zee Studios & BLive).
- Director: Vipul Vig (Directorial Debut; writer of Fukrey).
- Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy.
- Critical Verdict: Mixed (Bromance is the engine; second half feels chaotic).
FAQ Section:
A1: No. While it features the same lead pair and director/writer Vipul Vig, it is a standalone mythological comedy set in Himachal Pradesh.
A2: Success depends on Saturday growth. With a “3-star” average rating, trade analysts expect a jump as families look for light-hearted weekend viewing.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Sign-off: Reported by KittoNews Entertainment Desk | Edited by Senior Editor Gowhar Nabi.
- Source Transparency: Box office figures based on early tracking data from Sacnilk, Pinkvilla, and Bollywood Hungama as of Jan 16/17, 2026.
- Disclaimer: Final numbers may vary slightly as late-night show data is finalized by producers.
- Community Question: Do you think Pulkit and Varun work better in Fukrey, or do you like this new “cosmic” avatar? Let us know in the comments!
- Accountability Footer: Found an error? Email kittonews@gmail.com.
