Merry Christmas Movie: Slow Kickoff at Box Office for Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi
- Posted on January 13, 2024
- Entertainment
- By Arijit Dutta
- 210 Views
The highly anticipated Merry Christmas, starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, received mixed reviews upon its theatrical release. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the suspense thriller struggled at the box office, earning Rs 2.55 crore on the first day with an 11.56 percent occupancy. Audience reactions varied, with opinions leaning toward a slow start but a satisfying climax.
Katrina
Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi's much-anticipated suspense thriller, Merry
Christmas, directed by Sriram Raghavan, made its theatrical debut on
January 12. Despite the star power and excitement surrounding the film, the box
office reported a sluggish start for the duo's collaboration.
According
to data from Sacnilk, the film's opening day earnings amounted to a modest Rs
2.55 crore, coupled with an occupancy rate of approximately 11.56 percent. This
tepid reception surprised industry observers, considering the anticipation
generated by the pairing of two prominent actors in a suspenseful storyline
directed by the acclaimed Sriram Raghavan.
India
TV journalist Aseem Sharma, in his review, expressed mixed sentiments about the
film's pacing. He noted that Merry Christmas unfolds slowly in the first half,
requiring time for the storyline to engage the audience's attention fully.
Sharma acknowledged that the initial part of the movie caters to the taste of
murder mystery enthusiasts, providing a gradual buildup. However, for those
seeking a more brisk and engaging experience, the initial pace might appear
somewhat prolonged.
Sharma's
evaluation took a positive turn as he emphasized that the film gains momentum
just before the interval, leading to a more captivating second half. Despite
the initial lull, Sharma praised the climax for its unexpected twists and
turns, ultimately awarding Merry Christmas a commendable three out of five
stars.
The film, under Sriram Raghavan's direction, features an ensemble cast, with Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi taking on lead roles. Supporting them are Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kazmi, Tinnu Anand, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Radhika Apte, all contributing to the narrative tapestry.
Merry
Christmas revolves around the chance encounter of two strangers on a Christmas
evening, transforming a night of wild romance into a gripping nightmare. Sriram
Raghavan, known for delivering engaging thrillers such as Andhadhun, Badlapur,
and Agent Vinod, aims to maintain his legacy of captivating storytelling with
this latest venture.
As
the film navigates its initial days in theaters, industry experts will be
keenly observing whether the slow start will evolve into a more robust box
office performance, or if Merry Christmas will continue to face challenges
despite its star-studded cast and the director's proven track record.