The highly anticipated action thriller *Yudhra*, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan, and Raghav Juyal, has delivered a stellar performance at the box office on its opening day. Released during National Cinema Day, the film capitalized on discounted ticket prices, drawing huge crowds to theaters nationwide. The result? A remarkable first-day collection that has left industry insiders and moviegoers alike impressed. With comparisons already being made to Siddhant Chaturvedi’s previous theatrical release, *Phone Bhoot*, *Yudhra* has kicked off with a start 120% higher than its predecessor. Here’s a closer look at the box office collection and what made the film such a hit on its first day.

### National Cinema Day Magic

Released amid relatively low expectations, *Yudhra* surprised everyone with the overwhelming response it garnered on its first day. National Cinema Day, which offered moviegoers tickets at reduced prices, undoubtedly played a significant role in boosting footfalls across cinemas. Movie lovers flocked to theaters to take advantage of the affordable pricing, and *Yudhra* turned out to be one of the beneficiaries of this surge in attendance. This strategy worked wonders for the film’s opening day, ensuring that it made a solid impression right from the start.

National Cinema Day has become a key event in the Indian box office calendar, designed to encourage audiences to return to theaters after the lull brought on by the pandemic. With tickets priced at just ₹99 across the country, the occasion not only created excitement but also attracted a large number of casual moviegoers, many of whom might not have seen *Yudhra* on a regular release day. The combination of an action-packed trailer, star-studded cast, and an affordable viewing experience led to packed theaters, especially in metropolitan cities and multiplex chains.

### A Stronger Start Than *Phone Bhoot*

Comparisons to Siddhant Chaturvedi’s previous theatrical release, *Phone Bhoot*, were inevitable, given that both films feature him in a lead role. However, *Yudhra* has outperformed *Phone Bhoot* by a wide margin, with its opening day collections being 120% higher. While *Phone Bhoot* had a decent start, *Yudhra*’s appeal, coupled with the National Cinema Day promotion, gave it an additional push that made all the difference.

*Phone Bhoot*, a horror-comedy that released in 2022, opened to lukewarm reviews and a moderate box office collection. It managed to build some momentum over the first weekend, but *Yudhra* has already outshone it within the first 24 hours of release. Part of this success can be attributed to *Yudhra*’s genre—an action thriller with mass appeal—and the gripping performances of its lead cast. With Siddhant playing a dark, revenge-driven character and Malavika Mohanan adding emotional depth, the film has managed to create a more intense connection with audiences.

### The Appeal of *Yudhra*’s Cast and Crew

A major factor contributing to *Yudhra*’s success is its talented cast and crew. Siddhant Chaturvedi has been on a steady rise in Bollywood since his breakthrough performance in *Gully Boy*. In *Yudhra*, he delivers a gritty, action-packed performance that showcases his versatility as an actor. Playing the role of Yudhra, a character driven by revenge, Siddhant brings an intensity to the screen that resonates with the audience. His portrayal of the brooding protagonist has received widespread praise, with many viewers citing it as one of the highlights of the film.

Malavika Mohanan, known for her roles in Tamil cinema, brings depth and emotion to the film with her portrayal of Nikhat. Her character serves as a counterbalance to Siddhant’s Yudhra, providing emotional weight to the narrative. Together, the two leads share an undeniable chemistry that elevates the film’s storyline, making it more than just an action-packed spectacle.

Raghav Juyal, known for his comedic roles and dance skills, adds an unexpected layer of charm to *Yudhra*. His role in the film demonstrates his versatility as an actor, and his performance has been well-received by audiences and critics alike.

The film is directed by Ravi Udyawar, whose previous work includes the critically acclaimed *Mom*. Udyawar’s direction in *Yudhra* brings a slick, stylized approach to the action scenes, while maintaining the emotional core of the story. The film’s screenplay, written by Farhan Akhtar and Sridhar Raghavan, is tight and engaging, ensuring that the audience remains hooked from start to finish.

### Behind the Scenes: Excel Entertainment’s Touch

Excel Entertainment, the production house behind *Yudhra*, is no stranger to delivering hit films. Founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the banner has produced some of Bollywood’s most memorable films, including *Dil Chahta Hai*, *Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara*, and *Gully Boy*. With *Yudhra*, Excel has once again demonstrated its knack for producing quality content that resonates with audiences.

The film’s action sequences have been one of its biggest draws, with high-octane stunts and well-choreographed fight scenes. Siddhant Chaturvedi has reportedly undergone rigorous training to perform these stunts himself, adding authenticity to the film’s action. Combined with Ravi Udyawar’s direction, the action sequences in *Yudhra* are a visual treat, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

### Box Office Collection: Day 1

*Yudhra*’s box office collection on Day 1 has been nothing short of impressive. While the exact numbers are still being tallied, early estimates suggest that the film has earned significantly more than expected, thanks in large part to National Cinema Day. The film’s opening day collection is estimated to be around ₹7-8 crore, a strong figure considering the relatively modest expectations leading up to its release.

This figure places *Yudhra* among the top performers for National Cinema Day, outperforming several other releases that hit theaters on the same day. With word of mouth likely to boost its performance over the weekend, the film is expected to continue its strong run at the box office.

### The Road Ahead

With such a strong start, *Yudhra* is well-positioned to maintain momentum over the next few days. The film’s action-packed narrative, combined with stellar performances from its cast, has already garnered positive reviews from audiences. Additionally, the buzz surrounding Siddhant Chaturvedi’s performance and the film’s high production values is likely to attract more viewers in the coming days.

As the weekend approaches, *Yudhra* is expected to see a further boost in collections, especially as National Cinema Day’s afterglow continues to draw audiences to theaters. The film’s strong opening also sets the stage for its potential success overseas, particularly in markets like the UAE and North America, where Bollywood films have a strong following.


*Yudhra* has exceeded expectations with its impressive box office performance on Day 1, bolstered by the National Cinema Day phenomenon. The film’s action-packed plot, talented cast, and slick direction have resonated with audiences, ensuring a strong start at the box office. As the film continues to attract viewers over the weekend, it remains to be seen just how far *Yudhra* can go in its box office journey, but one thing is clear: this film is off to an explosive start.