Emraan Hashmi’s ‘Ground Zero’ Starts with ₹1 Crore at Box Office, Indicating a Cautious Start
Emraan Hashmi’s Ground Zero released nationwide on April 25, 2025, but had a modest first-day collection of ₹1 crore.
The opening figure places the film on the lower end of Emraan Hashmi’s recent career earnings.
According to early estimates from Sacnilk.com, the movie saw an average overall occupancy of just 8.63% on Friday.
Despite heavy promotion and a star-studded premiere in Srinagar, the turnout in theatres was lukewarm.
This slow start could be attributed to minimal pre-release buzz and tough competition from ongoing releases.
IMDB : Ground Zero(2025)
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Ground Zero is an intense action thriller, but its appeal may be limited by its niche subject matter.
Still, Emraan Hashmi’s fan base and word-of-mouth publicity could help turn things around in the coming days.
Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, under Excel Entertainment, are backing the project with high expectations.
A Comparatively Low Opening Among Emraan Hashmi’s Recent Films Raises Concerns
The Ground Zero box office collection day 1 has sparked discussions about Emraan Hashmi’s current box office draw.
His 2021 release Chehre, with Amitabh Bachchan, had an even weaker start, earning just ₹50 lakh on opening day.
However, that film was released during the post-COVID transition and saw limited theatre engagement.
In contrast, Hashmi’s role in Tiger 3 (2023) delivered a smashing ₹44.5 crore opening in India.
His collaboration with Akshay Kumar in Selfiee, released the same year, earned ₹2.55 crore on day one.
These comparisons make it clear that Ground Zero is one of the actor’s lowest openers in recent memory.
Yet, it should be noted that the film’s genre and lack of commercial song-and-dance elements may have affected traction.
A Riveting Real-Life Story About a Brave BSF Officer Behind a Critical Anti-Terror Operation
Ground Zero tells the true story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, portrayed by Emraan Hashmi.
The plot follows his courageous mission to track and eliminate Ghazi Baba, the mastermind of major terror attacks.
These included the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the Akshardham Temple assault.
The film presents an intense and patriotic narrative based on real events that have rarely been explored in cinema.
Director Tejas Deoskar brings a raw and gritty tone to the story, keeping it grounded and emotionally compelling.
Hashmi’s performance stands out as he embraces a character inspired by a real-life unsung hero.
Alongside him, Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain add depth and realism through well-developed supporting roles.
Ground Zero Becomes the First Film in 38 Years to Premiere in Srinagar, Honouring Real-Life Heroes
In a historic moment for Indian cinema, Ground Zero became the first film in 38 years to premiere in Srinagar.
The event was hosted amidst the serene backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir, attended by BSF officers and crew.
The premiere was more than just glitz — it was a tribute to India’s soldiers and their selfless service.
This strategic choice also highlighted the film’s connection with the region and its real-world military themes.
Such moments make Ground Zero more than just a movie — it becomes part of a cultural and patriotic narrative.
This bold move brought significant media attention and showed commitment to authenticity by the filmmakers.
Box Office Potential Still Exists if Word-of-Mouth and Weekend Footfall Improve
Though the Ground Zero box office collection day 1 is underwhelming, the film still has a chance to rebound.
Weekend collections will be critical in determining if the film can recover and create momentum.
Positive word-of-mouth, especially from patriotic audiences, could help bring in more viewers in the coming days.
The real-life aspect of the story may gradually attract mature audiences who appreciate true-event-based cinema.
A strong second-day showing followed by a Sunday surge could change the narrative around its box office performance.
Smaller films often gain traction if the content connects emotionally, and this film has potential in that regard.
Additionally, upcoming holidays or reduced competition could offer a much-needed box office boost in week two.
A Slow Start Doesn’t Always Predict a Film’s Long-Term Box Office Journey
Ground Zero had a quiet start with ₹1 crore on day one, but its story and star power could still drive growth.
Emraan Hashmi’s powerful performance, strong subject matter, and a patriotic theme could appeal to a core audience.
If the film manages to sustain through the first weekend and gains social media traction, the outlook might change.
The combination of real-life inspiration and high-stakes action gives it a unique space in current Hindi cinema.
The film may yet prove that a slow box office start doesn’t necessarily dictate a movie’s long-term success.
