Mumbai: Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s much-talked-about rom-com Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari hit theatres this Friday, but its box office debut turned out to be modest compared to expectations. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film recorded an opening-day net collection of around ₹9.25 crore, a fair start but below the numbers usually expected from a big-ticket holiday release.
Mounted on a budget of nearly ₹60 crore, the film arrived during the festive weekend of Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti. However, the box office spotlight was firmly taken by Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, which stormed ahead with a mammoth ₹60 crore opening day collection nationwide, overshadowing the rom-com.
According to early trade reports, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari registered around 15% occupancy in morning shows, which picked up to nearly 40–45% during the afternoon and evening. Analysts believe the film may witness growth over the extended weekend, but sustaining momentum against Kantara’s wave will be a steep challenge.
The film also faced controversies prior to release. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted it a U/A certificate but ordered nearly 60% of kissing scenes to be cut. Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor have publicly alleged that fake and negative social media trends were being circulated against the film.
Responding to the box office clash, director Shashank Khaitan said he believes his film is “limitless” and expressed confidence that audiences will eventually connect with its story and characters.
While early reviews highlight its light-hearted family entertainment and the chemistry between the leads, trade observers note that the film’s theatrical run will now depend heavily on word-of-mouth buzz. With a festive audience turnout expected, the coming weekend will determine whether Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari manages to find its footing in a crowded box office battle.
Also Read: Kantara Chapter 1 storms box office with ₹60 crore
