Merry Christmas Box Office Day 1: Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi’s Thriller Kicks Off with Modest Numbers Amidst High Expectation

Image Source: Jansatta
New Delhi, January 12, 2024 — As the curtains rise on Sriram Raghavan’s much-anticipated ‘Merry Christmas’, starring Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif and the versatile Vijay Sethupathi, the initial box office reception appears to be more subdued than the festive title suggests. Despite the palpable excitement surrounding the film’s release and the star power of its leads, early predictions are pointing towards a slower start for the thriller.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, renowned for his acclaimed work in ‘Andhadhun,’ ‘Merry Christmas’ weaves a gripping narrative around a Christmas eve romance that takes an unexpected and intense turn. With an estimated budget of Rs 60 crores, the film faces stiff competition in the Tamil film industry, going head-to-head with ‘Captain Miller’ and ‘Ayalaan.’ However, being the sole release in the Hindi film circuit, ‘Merry Christmas’ is expected to have a relatively stronger performance.
Despite the initial lukewarm reception, industry insiders project the film to collect around Rs 2 crores on its debut day, signaling a departure from Katrina Kaif’s usual box office clout. This marks her lowest opening in the past decade, raising eyebrows among fans and industry experts alike.
The critical reviews, however, paint a different picture. Despite the modest start, critics have applauded Sriram Raghavan’s directorial prowess in crafting a legitimate thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Katrina Kaif’s performance has not gone unnoticed, receiving equal acclaim from both critics and fans alike.
“‘Merry Christmas’ transcends the ordinary and delivers a suspenseful experience. Sriram Raghavan has once again proven his mastery in the thriller genre, and Katrina Kaif’s portrayal adds depth to the narrative,” says film critic Ananya Verma.
Optimism surrounds the film’s potential for growth in the upcoming week, fueled by positive word-of-mouth reviews. The lack of major releases scheduled before Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s much-anticipated ‘Fighter’ bodes well for ‘Merry Christmas,’ suggesting a promising trajectory in the days to come.
Shot in both Tamil and Hindi languages, with a release in Telugu as well, ‘Merry Christmas’ boasts an ensemble cast. The Hindi version features Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kannan, and Tinnu Anand, while its Tamil counterpart stars Radhika Sarathkumar, Shanmugaraja, Kevin Jay Babu, and Rajesh Williams in equivalent roles.
As the cinematic journey of ‘Merry Christmas’ unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the initial numbers are indicative of its true potential or if, like a captivating Christmas tale, it has surprises in store for the audience in the days to come.
Team Profile

- News Writer
- Md. Toufique Hasan is a second-year BBA student at ILEAD, Kolkata, bringing a dynamic blend of academic prowess and practical experience to his journey. With a keen interest in the field of Human Resources, he has successfully completed a 3-month internship at GaoTek, where he honed his skills and gained valuable insights into the corporate world. Beyond the realm of academics and professional endeavors, Md. Toufique finds joy in immersing himself in the world of literature and engaging in strategic battles on the chessboard. His multifaceted interests reflect a well-rounded and motivated individual eager to make meaningful contributions in both academic and professional spheres.
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