Last year, the dynamic trio of Adah Sharma, Sudipto Sen, and Vipul Amrutal Shah took the box office by storm with their film “The Kerala Story.” However, their latest collaboration, “Bastar: The Naxal Story,” seems to be encountering a different fate, at least in its initial days at the box office.
With an opening day collection of just ₹50 lakh, “Bastar: The Naxal Story” falls significantly short of the remarkable debut of its predecessor. “The Kerala Story” earned a staggering ₹8 crore on its first day, setting the stage for its remarkable journey to a lifetime total of ₹242 crore in India.
The disparity in box office figures becomes more pronounced when compared to the competition. “Bastar: The Naxal Story” faces tough competition from the much-anticipated film “Yodha,” produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. Starring Sidharth Malhotra, Disha Patani, and Raashii Khanna, “Yodha” raked in ₹4.26 crore on its opening day, overshadowing the modest earnings of “Bastar.”
Despite its box office challenges, “Bastar: The Naxal Story” has garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of the Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district. The film delves into the plight of the common people in the region without delving into the political intricacies of the issue. Adah Sharma shines in her role as an IPS officer, adding depth to the narrative with her powerful performance.
Addressing concerns about the film’s political undertones, Vipul Amrutal Shah emphasized that “Bastar: The Naxal Story” is primarily a human tragedy, not a political statement. He stressed the importance of shedding light on the real sufferers—the common people—and their untold stories of pain and resilience.
As the box office journey of “Bastar: The Naxal Story” unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of storytelling and audience preferences. While initial numbers may paint a challenging picture, the true impact of the film lies in its ability to provoke thought, spark conversations, and shed light on overlooked narratives. Despite the odds, the team behind “Bastar: The Naxal Story” remains committed to sharing stories that resonate with audiences and echo the realities of our society.
