On January 17, Bollywood witnessed the release of two highly-awaited films: Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ and Ajay Devgan’s ‘Azaad’. While both aimed to captivate audiences, the box office and reviews told a different story. Kangana’s ‘Emergency’ showcased a strong performance, leaving Ajay Devgan’s ‘Azaad’ trailing behind.

‘Emergency’ Shines with Solid Growth

Kangana Ranaut’s ambitious project ‘Emergency’ saw an impressive jump on its second day. With Day 2 earnings of ₹3.50 crores, the film’s total collection reached ₹6 crores. The occupancy in Hindi stood at 15.41%, reflecting a strong audience connection.

Fans eagerly awaited Kangana’s return, and this release marks her most promising performance in recent years. Compared to her previous films, ‘Emergency’ has had a notable start. Her 2023 film ‘Tejas’ opened with ₹1.25 crore, while 2022’s ‘Dhaakad’ earned ₹1.20 crore on its first day.

The Story and Kangana’s Role

‘Emergency’ is based on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, delving into key historical events like the Emergency and Operation Bluestar. Kangana not only stars as Indira Gandhi but also directed and produced the film, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

‘Azaad’ Struggles to Impress

In contrast, Ajay Devgan’s ‘Azaad’ stumbled at the box office. Starring Ajay Devgan, Rasha Thadani, and Aman Devgan, the film earned only ₹1.50 crore on its second day, bringing its total to ₹3 crore. Its occupancy in Hindi was a mere 8.90%, reflecting low audience interest.

‘Azaad’ revolves around the bond between a young boy and his horse, but the weak storyline and lack of engagement failed to resonate with viewers.

Box Office Verdict

The battle at the box office has a clear winner. ‘Emergency’ is gaining momentum with positive reviews and its gripping portrayal of history, while ‘Azaad’ struggles due to its unappealing narrative and unfamiliar faces.

As the weekend approaches, it remains to be seen whether the tides will turn for ‘Azaad’ or if ‘Emergency’ will continue its victorious march.