The much-anticipated Punjabi film 'Dastaar', which released globally on July 17, 2026, is having a tough time at the domestic box office. After a below-par opening, the film's earnings have failed to show any significant growth over its first weekend. On its third day in theatres (Day 3), the drama-action film is estimated to have collected a net total of approximately ₹0.21 crore in India, as per early trade estimates.
This figure, while consistent with its performance over the previous two days, is a disappointing start for a film backed by a star like Tarsem Jassar and the prestigious White Hill Studios. The film, directed by Amar Hundal, finds itself at the bottom of the box office charts, trailing far behind major releases from other industries. On the same day, big-budget films like 'The Odyssey' dominated the box office with collections exceeding ₹17 crore, highlighting the stark contrast in audience pull.
A Slow Start Despite Star Power
'Dastaar' features an ensemble cast including Yograj Singh, Geet Goraya, Sarbjit Cheema, Manjot Singh, and Neeta Mohindra, among others. Despite this strong lineup and a compelling storyline that revolves around a Sikh immigrant's journey of becoming a community leader in Britain, the film has not been able to convert interest into footfalls. The film's screenplay, penned by Dheeraj Rattan and Manila Rattan, has so far failed to lure the masses to theatres.
The film's opening was reportedly affected by its delayed censor certificate, which was only granted just before its release, potentially hampering pre-release promotion and show bookings.
Box Office Trajectory
The film's trajectory suggests a rocky road ahead. While the exact Day 2 figures are yet to be released, its Day 1 collection was similarly low, leading to a total India net collection of approximately ₹0.21 crore over its opening weekend. With no major holiday to boost numbers and strong competition from other new releases, 'Dastaar' faces an uphill battle to recover its reported production budget of ₹20-25 crore.
While the film has received some praise for its cultural themes and Amar Hundal's direction, the weak box office performance indicates that it has failed to make a mark with the wider audience. The coming weekdays will be crucial in determining whether 'Dastaar' can find its footing or continue to struggle as a niche release.