Kareena Kapoor Khan has long been a reigning queen of Bollywood, known for her versatility and ability to draw audiences to theaters. With her latest film, The Buckingham Murders, she ventures into darker, more intense territory, stepping away from her glamorous roles to embody a British-Indian detective, Jasmeet Bhamra, grappling with personal loss while solving a heinous crime. While the movie has garnered attention and praise at international film festivals, its box office success in India remains to be seen.
The Plot: A Riveting Tale of Grief and Justice
Directed by Hansal Mehta, The Buckingham Murders tells the story of Detective Jasmeet Bhamra, a woman shattered by the recent loss of her child. Tasked with solving the murder of a 10-year-old in Buckinghamshire, Jasmeet’s journey is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with suspense, grief, and relentless pursuit of justice. Unlike typical Bollywood crime thrillers, The Buckingham Murders leans heavily on psychological drama and realism, making it a refreshing yet niche offering.
World Premiere & Critical Acclaim
Having premiered at the prestigious 67th BFI London Film Festival in 2023, the film received rave reviews for its nuanced storytelling and Kareena’s stellar performance. This international recognition has undoubtedly piqued interest, but the challenge lies in its reception among Indian audiences, where urban thrillers often struggle to achieve mass appeal.
Day 1 Box Office Prediction: Will It Be Kareena’s Lowest Opener?
Industry experts have already speculated about The Buckingham Murders possibly being Kareena Kapoor Khan’s lowest opener in over a decade. According to film business expert Girish Johar, the film is expected to open around ₹1.5-2 crores, which is modest by Bollywood standards, especially for a star like Kareena. However, it’s important to note that the film is not your typical commercial entertainer; it’s an urban, intelligent thriller catering to a niche audience.
While the film has been dubbed in Hindi to widen its appeal, it still targets a multiplex, metro-based crowd. If the word-of-mouth reviews are positive, the film could see an uptick in collections, especially during evening shows and over the weekend. But for now, the Day 1 numbers are projected to remain modest.
Why The Buckingham Murders Might Struggle at the Box Office
There are several factors that could contribute to the film’s slow start:
- Genre: Crime thrillers, especially those leaning toward psychological drama, tend to attract a smaller, more urban audience. In contrast, mass-market films, particularly in India, thrive on action, romance, and comedy.
- Competition: If other big commercial films are releasing around the same time, The Buckingham Murders might face tough competition at the box office.
- Limited Appeal: While the film has been dubbed in Hindi to reach a broader audience, its essence remains very much rooted in a British setting, which could alienate some viewers who prefer more relatable, Indian stories.
- Lack of Star Power in Supporting Roles: While Kareena Kapoor Khan is undoubtedly a massive draw, the film doesn’t feature any other big Bollywood names, which may further limit its reach.
Can It Pick Up Over the Weekend?
There’s still hope for The Buckingham Murders to pick up momentum during its opening weekend. If critics and audiences resonate with the film’s emotional depth, gripping narrative, and Kareena’s performance, it could benefit from strong word-of-mouth, potentially doubling or even tripling its collections.
A Bold Career Move for Kareena Kapoor Khan
Regardless of its box office performance, The Buckingham Murders marks a significant departure for Kareena Kapoor Khan from the roles she’s been known for. It’s a bold choice, showing her willingness to take risks and explore new dimensions in her acting career. While it may not be her biggest box office hit, it could very well be one of her most critically acclaimed performances, solidifying her status as a versatile and fearless actor.
Final Thoughts
While The Buckingham Murders may not be a box office juggernaut, it is a film that showcases the evolving landscape of Bollywood, where actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan are not afraid to experiment with different genres and roles. Its success will largely depend on how well it resonates with its target audience and whether it can gain momentum through positive reviews and word-of-mouth. For fans of crime thrillers and intense drama, The Buckingham Murders is certainly a film worth watching, even if it doesn’t break box office records.
