Avatar: Fire and Ash Day 1 Box Office in India: Opens at ₹18 Crore, Trails The Way of Water

James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third chapter in the blockbuster Avatar franchise, has had a modest start at the Indian box office. Despite massive anticipation and franchise goodwill, the film collected approximately ₹18 crore on its opening day in India, falling significantly short of its predecessor’s debut numbers.

Opening Day Performance

According to early box-office estimates, Avatar: Fire and Ash earned around ₹18.07 crore by Friday night. While the figure reflects decent audience interest, it is far lower than Avatar: The Way of Water, which had opened to an impressive ₹48.75 crore in India on day one in 2022.

The subdued opening suggests that the film may face challenges in matching the record-breaking performance of earlier Avatar releases.

Competition and Audience Response

One of the key factors impacting the film’s opening is strong competition from ongoing releases, including the Bollywood action-thriller Dhurandhar, which continues to draw crowds even in its third week.

Additionally, Avatar: Fire and Ash has received mixed-to-negative critical reviews, with some critics pointing to a lack of emotional depth despite its visual spectacle. However, sections of the audience have praised the film’s immersive visuals and big-screen appeal.

About the Film

Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third instalment following Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). The film stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, who reprise their roles as Jake Sully and Neytiri, alongside Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang.

The film had its global premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on December 1, continuing James Cameron’s expansive vision of Pandora.

What Lies Ahead

While the opening day numbers are below expectations, the film’s long-term box office performance will depend heavily on weekend growth, word of mouth, and its appeal in premium formats like IMAX and 3D.