Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s latest romantic comedy Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has shown a modest yet steady performance at the Indian box office, despite facing stiff competition from Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster Kantara: Chapter 1. Directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced under Dharma Productions, the film was released on October 2, coinciding with the Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti holidays.
On its opening day, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari earned ₹9.25 crore net across India, benefiting from the festive footfall and strong youth appeal. However, collections dipped on Day 2 (Friday), with the film registering ₹5.25 crore, bringing its two-day total to ₹14.50 crore net.
The film stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, alongside Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Manish Paul, and Akshay Oberoi. It blends traditional Bollywood tropes with glossy visuals and nostalgic references, aiming to capture family audiences and younger viewers alike.
Despite its initial momentum, the film’s box office journey has been challenged by Kantara: Chapter 1, which stormed past ₹100 crore in just two days. Trade analysts note that while Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has carved out a respectable space, its long-term success will depend on weekend footfalls and positive word-of-mouth.
Occupancy rates varied across regions, with Chennai leading at 35.50%, followed by Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Mumbai and Delhi NCR showed moderate turnout, while smaller markets like Surat and Bhopal reported lower engagement.
Critics have offered mixed reviews. While the film’s writing and Bollywood references were praised, its rushed climax and predictable resolution drew criticism. Nonetheless, the chemistry between Dhawan and Kapoor and the film’s light-hearted tone have resonated with a segment of the audience.
With the weekend ahead, industry observers are watching closely to see if Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari can maintain its momentum and emerge as a sleeper hit amidst a crowded release slate.
