Baby John Worldwide Box Office Collection Day 2: Varun Dhawan-starrer witnesses a 60 percent drop, earns Rs 4.5 cr

Baby John was marketed as a pan-Indian actioner, with Jawan director Atlee serving as producer. The film is a remake of the Vijay-starrer Theri. The film hasn’t performed well at the box office but it is yet to be known if the reason for the same is because Theri’s dubbed version is easily accessible to the audience, or because they have rejected Varun in this avatar. Made on a reported budget of Rs 180 crore, Baby John also saw a cameo by Salman Khan. Directed by Kalees, Baby John also starred Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi.

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On Thursday, trade analyst Taran Adarsh wrote, “BabyJohn is underwhelming on Day 1, benefitting primary from the #Christmas holiday on Wednesday… The *pre-release* trends had projected an opening day in the ₹ 17 cr – ₹ 20 cr range, thanks to the festive boost, but as always, #Boxoffice remains highly unpredictable. BabyJohn faced stiff competition from #Pushpa2 [in mass circuits] and #Mufasa [in urban centres], which impacted its opening day biz… It’s worth noting that #Pushpa2 continues to be a mighty opponent for *all* films.

“A midweek release coinciding with a major holiday typically ensures a strong opening day… However, #BabyJohn must sustain its momentum till Sunday to achieve a respectable extended weekend total,” he wrote.

Varun hasn’t had a solo hit in the theatres since 2017’s Judwaa 2. His last release, 2022’s Bhediya, opened with Rs 7.48 crore and made Rs 66.65 crore during its run. Before that, Jugjugg Jeeyo, which also starred Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Kiara Advani, managed to open with Rs 9.28 crore, and made Rs 85.03 crore during its run.

Varun will next be seen in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari with Janhvi Kapoor. The film is being produced by Dharma Productions, and is being directed by Shashank Khaitan.