21 November 2023, Mumbai: As Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s high-octane spy thriller, Tiger 3, strides into its ninth day, the box office journey unveils a mix of triumphs and challenges. Despite an impressive start on Diwali, the film suffered its lowest single-day collection, amassing Rs 6.5 crore across languages in India. With domestic collections reaching Rs 236 crore and the Rs 250 crore mark in sight, the elusive Rs 300 crore milestone seems increasingly improbable. The film’s global aspirations towards Rs 400 crore may also be curtailed, casting shadows on its performance compared to Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan earlier this year.
Tiger 3 vs. Pathaan, Salman Khan vs. Shah Rukh Khan
In the realm of box office prowess, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 faces an uphill battle against Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan. While Pathaan soared past Rs 500 crore domestically and crossed the coveted Rs 1000 crore mark worldwide, Tiger 3 grapples to match these staggering figures. The film’s journey towards Rs 400 crore is met with skepticism, holding only around Rs 380 crore in its coffers. The stark contrast in performance raises questions about Salman’s overseas market presence, especially in comparison to Shah Rukh’s global appeal.
Tiger 3’s Struggle for Attention in South India and Overseas Markets
Salman Khan’s attempt to capture attention in the South Indian market faces challenges, despite previous endeavors with crossover hits like Dabangg 3 and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Tiger 3, with a reported budget of Rs 300 crore, appears to be on the brink of being labeled an under-performer. The film’s lukewarm reception overseas, combined with subdued interest in the Southern regions, raises concerns about its ability to resonate with diverse audiences. The industry dynamics, marked by a general sense of indifference from critics and viewers, further contribute to the film’s struggle.
YRF’s Approach and Public Reception
Yash Raj Films (YRF) opted for a strategic marketing approach, mirroring the successful model used for Pathaan, restraining stars from extensive press discussions. Despite the absence of an industry strike in India, the film faced challenges in building anticipation. With cameos from Shah Rukh and Hrithik Roshan, the film aimed for heightened expectations, but a sense of indifference prevailed. Tiger 3 now stands at the second-lowest grossing installment in the franchise, trailing behind Tiger Zinda Hai, War, and Pathaan.
YRF’s Next Moves and Tiger 3’s Place in the Franchise
Looking ahead, YRF’s Spy Universe gears up for War 2, currently in production, and a planned Tiger vs. Pathaan movie. Tiger 3, despite facing setbacks, remains part of this ambitious franchise, securing its position as the second-lowest grossing installment. The future success of the Spy Universe hinges on overcoming the challenges posed by audience expectations and evolving industry dynamics, leaving Tiger 3 at a crossroads in the larger narrative of YRF’s cinematic ventures.
By Yashika Desai