The first week of June is set to turn theatres into non-stop entertainment hubs, with three big Hindi releases and two Hollywood titles hitting the screen, all backed by major production houses and starring actors with loyal fandoms.
Topping the list is Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor’s Telugu sports drama Peddi, arriving across the world on June 4. It faces tough pan-India competition from Varun Dhawan’s romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai on June 5, while Bobby Deol’s critically acclaimed Bandar is equally hyped as a potential dark horse. The West offers The Masters Of The Universe and Scary Movie, but trade experts believe Hollywood releases may struggle in the shadow of these big Indian films.
Box Office Battle: Peddi vs Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
Each film has its own strengths, and the box office battle is set to intensify. The key question is who will lead on opening day and during the crucial first weekend. While the main box office war is between Ram Charan and Varun Dhawan, film producer and business expert Girish Johar believes Bobby Deol’s Bandar could be the dark horse.
Trade experts’ predictions for Peddi and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Girish Johar says, “Peddi could take a bigger opening in South markets than Hindi, where Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai would take the lead. In the Hindi market, Peddi should take a decent and above-average start, depending on word of mouth. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a multi-cast and Gen Z film, and the youth are excited. This could be the number one film in the Hindi market. I am predicting a good start for this. It’s a family-favouring movie.”
He adds: “On Friday, I feel the number one film in the Hindi belt would be Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, then Peddi and very closely followed by Bandar. This is only for Friday, as the situation could change on Saturday due to word of mouth and overall reception.”
Meanwhile, Ramesh Bala rates Peddi as “easily the biggest opener among the four” and predicts a massive Rs 100 crore-plus India opening with huge worldwide numbers. “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has good potential in the Hindi belt as a clean family youth entertainer and can surprise with strong weekend growth,” Bala says. He predicts an opening of around Rs 5 crore, while Bandar could earn around Rs 1–2 crore on the first day, driven by solid curiosity and possibly growing big with word of mouth.
Advance booking: Peddi leads by a huge margin
As of Wednesday morning, booking numbers show a clear lead for Peddi: 3,287 shows across India, 2,44,906 tickets sold in Telugu and Hindi, and blocked-seat earnings of Rs 10.28 crore. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai: 1,677 shows across India, 3,999 tickets sold, blocked seats earnings: Rs 95.54 lakh
Who will win June’s box office war?
Peddi looks set for a massive India opening, potentially crossing Rs 100 crore, with strong South and overseas support. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai could become the number one film in the Hindi belt on Friday, especially among youth and families.
The opening collection of Peddi and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai will set the foundation for their runs, while the box office battle this week promises to be one of the most competitive June openings in recent years.
