Rahu Ketu Box Office Collection Day 1: The newly released Hindi comedy-fantasy Rahu Ketu has had a disappointing beginning at the Indian box office. Starring the popular comic duo Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, the film arrived in cinemas on January 16, 2026, amid moderate expectations from trade analysts and fans. However, its opening-day performance failed to live up to the pre-release buzz.
Directed by Vipul Garg, Rahu Ketu was expected to benefit from its genre appeal and the established chemistry of its lead actors. The trailer had generated curiosity online, especially among fans of light-hearted fantasy comedies. Unfortunately, that interest did not translate into strong footfalls on day one.
Rahu Ketu Box Office Collection Day 1
As per early trade estimates, Rahu Ketu collected approximately ₹1 crore net on its opening day in India. The film recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of just 6.90%, clearly reflecting weak audience turnout. While evening and night shows saw relatively better attendance compared to morning and afternoon screenings, the numbers remained below expectations.
| Key Box Office Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Day 1 Net Collection | ₹1 crore |
| Hindi Occupancy | 6.90% |
| Best Performing Shows | Evening & Night |
| Genre | Comedy Fantasy |
What has further raised eyebrows is that Rahu Ketu reportedly earned less than the ongoing collections of the much older release Dhurandhar, which is already over six weeks into its theatrical run.
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Storyline and Audience Reaction
The film follows two unlucky men whose lives are mysteriously controlled by a magical notebook written by an eccentric author. Their problems escalate when a strange woman steals the notebook, pushing them into a risky adventure involving criminals and unexpected twists. While the concept is imaginative, early audience reactions suggest that the execution may not have fully connected with viewers.
Weekend Outlook
The weekend will be crucial for Rahu Ketu. Comedy films often rely on positive word of mouth to grow, and a noticeable jump on Saturday and Sunday is essential for the film’s survival. Whether it can recover or continue its sluggish run will soon become clear, making the coming days extremely important for its box office fate.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
