November 21, 2025 : Bollywood is heading toward a soft Friday as two mid-scale releases—‘Masti 4’ and ‘120 Bahadur’—make their way to theatres with modest expectations. Early trade estimates indicate that both films are likely to open in the range of ₹2 to 3 crore on Day 1, reflecting a dull start for the box office ahead of the year-end holiday phase.
‘Masti 4’: Franchise Fatigue Setting In?
The fourth instalment of the popular adult comedy series created mild curiosity upon announcement, but industry chatter suggests that the buzz failed to sustain. The earlier films in the franchise enjoyed strong word-of-mouth and youth appeal, but experts say the market has changed drastically.
With audience preferences shifting toward high-quality content, comedy franchises without fresh appeal are struggling to pack theatres. Analysts also believe that a lack of aggressive promotions and stiff competition from OTT content have further dampened excitement. As a result, ‘Masti 4’ is projected to earn around ₹2 crore on Day 1, possibly touching ₹3 crore if evening shows pick up.
‘120 Bahadur’: Legal Controversy Didn’t Translate Into Hype
Despite being in the headlines due to a recent legal challenge—dismissed by the Delhi High Court—the film hasn’t managed to create strong pre-release momentum. The historical-action drama was expected to gain audience interest after the controversy, but trade reports suggest the chatter remained limited to social media rather than converting into ticket sales.
Featuring strong performances and a patriotic narrative, ‘120 Bahadur’ still faces the same challenge as many mid-budget films: low awareness and a crowded release calendar. As of now, its Day 1 forecast stands at ₹2–3 crore, similar to ‘Masti 4’.
Factors Behind the Dull Opening Expectations
- No major star power driving initial footfall
- Moderate marketing budgets limiting visibility
- Overwhelming OTT competition, especially during the winter season
- Audiences preferring big-event films instead of mid-tier theatrical releases
- Mixed to low advance bookings across major cities
What Could Change the Trajectory?
Industry experts say that word-of-mouth will play a crucial role. If either film receives positive reviews over the weekend, collections may improve by 20–30% on Saturday and Sunday. Moreover, family audiences and youth turnout will determine whether these films can sustain through the week.
Summary
‘Masti 4’ and ‘120 Bahadur’ are predicted to open weakly with Day 1 collections of ₹2–3 crore each, as per early trade estimates. Limited promotions, lack of star power, and strong OTT competition are key reasons. Weekend growth will depend heavily on audience reviews and word-of-mouth.