Market analyst Taran Adarsh reported a slightly higher figure of Rs 24.60 crore for the domestic box office on the first day. The film also performed well in advance booking, selling over 4 lakh tickets and earning Rs 13.12 crore, with around Rs 7.21 crore being made through advance bookings alone.
"After an ordinary/average start in morning and noon shows, Fighter picked up pace post 5 pm onwards on Day 1 (working day before the big holiday)… Agree, the biggie should've targeted a higher number on its opening day, but the good news is that the audience feedback is excellent and that should translate into big numbers today (Day 2; Republic Day holiday)," wrote Taran Adarsh.
"Fighter has performed best at major centres on Day 1, but biz is not in sync with the merits of the film in mass circuits… However, the mass pockets should come on board today and if it continues the momentum on Sat and Sun, a healthy *extended weekend* total will be on the cards," added Adarsh.
However, not all was favorable. "Fighter" faced suspension in the UAE and was not released in Gulf countries, which could have affected its overall international revenue potential. Despite this setback, the film's engaging storyline, which follows Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania (Hrithik Roshan), Squadron Leader Minal Rathore (Deepika Padukone), and Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh (Anil Kapoor) as part of the elite IAF unit Air Dragons, has garnered attention. The unit is tasked with responding to hostile activities in the Srinagar Valley, showcasing the sacrifices and patriotism of the Indian Air Force.
Critics have noted that while "Fighter" may not be flawless, its near-perfect screenplay and immersive experience have kept audiences invested. The film marks Deepika Padukone's third collaboration with director Siddharth Anand and Hrithik Roshan's projects such as "Bang Bang" and "War."
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