Emraan Hashmi's 'Ground Zero' Opens to a Disappointing ₹37 Lakh on Day 1 Amid Cancelled Shows and Low Turnout

Real-Life Terror Drama Struggles Despite Emraan’s Return, Faces Box Office Heat

MUMBAI — Ground Zero, Emraan Hashmi’s latest release centered on terrorism in Kashmir, has stumbled out of the gate with a meager ₹37 lakh box office collection on day one, according to early estimates by trade portal Sacnilk. The action-thriller, based on a real-life counter-insurgency operation, has seen cancelled shows across several regions due to low audience turnout, raising concerns about its theatrical performance going forward.

Low Advance Bookings and Lukewarm Audience Response

The film’s muted reception was evident even before its release, with advance bookings totaling just around 4,000 tickets across national multiplex chains. By Friday morning, poor occupancy led to several screenings being called off, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Trade analysts note that Ground Zero may struggle to cross the ₹1 crore mark on its opening day unless there’s a strong evening surge or positive weekend word-of-mouth.

Despite Emraan Hashmi’s fan base and the buzz surrounding his portrayal of a real BSF hero, Ground Zero failed to convert expectations into footfall — possibly hindered by its sensitive subject, limited promotions, and competing releases.

About the Film: Real Story, Strong Performance, But Lacking Momentum

Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, Ground Zero stars Emraan Hashmi as BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, inspired by the real-life hero who played a key role in the neutralization of Ghazi Baba, the mastermind behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.

Set in early 2000s Kashmir, the film follows Dubey’s eight-year tenure in the conflict-ridden region, shedding light on the complexities of insurgency and the internal battles faced by officers on the frontlines. While early reviews have praised the film’s grounded storytelling and Hashmi’s restrained performance, that critical acclaim hasn’t yet translated into box office success.

Outlook: Can Ground Zero Recover Over the Weekend?

With only ₹37 lakh collected in initial shows, the film now relies heavily on word-of-mouth and regional market support to stay afloat. While the absence of a major Bollywood competitor this weekend could help, a significant turnaround in occupancy is essential if Ground Zero hopes to gain momentum.

Whether the film’s patriotic undertone and real-life roots resonate with audiences in the coming days remains to be seen.