Hyderabad: The much-anticipated film Ustad Bhagat Singh, starring Pawan Kalyan and directed by Harish Shankar, has witnessed an unexpected downturn at the box office shortly after its release. While fans had high expectations, hoping the film would replicate the success of Gabbar Singh, early trends suggest otherwise.

According to trade analysts, the film opened with a strong performance on its first day, collecting approximately ₹34.75 crore net across India. However, the momentum failed to sustain, as collections dropped sharply on the second day, earning only ₹9.25 crore. The total two-day collection now stands at around ₹44 crore.

The significant decline of nearly 80 percent in collections within just a day has raised concerns among industry observers. Notably, the production house Mythri Movie Makers has yet to release official figures, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the film’s performance.

The situation is further complicated by the festive season, including Ugadi and Ramzan, which typically boosts theatrical footfall. Despite the extended weekend advantage, trade circles remain cautious about the film’s prospects beyond Sunday.

Adding to the competition, the Telugu release of Dhurandhar 2 on March 21 has garnered strong advance bookings, reportedly exceeding 95 percent in several regions. This development is expected to impact the screen count of Ustad Bhagat Singh, with reports indicating that the latter may be replaced in multiple theatres.

Additionally, increased ticket pricing and early morning shows in Andhra Pradesh have not translated into sustained box office gains, further disappointing trade expectations. Industry insiders suggest that the coming weekdays will be crucial in determining the film’s overall theatrical run.