Varavu, the much-anticipated action thriller starring Joju George and directed by Shaji Kailas, has witnessed a dip in its box office collections on its second day. The film, which released on July 16, 2026, had a strong opening but saw a decline as mixed reviews from critics and audiences began to circulate.
On its 2nd day, the film has collected an estimated Rs 80 lakh net in India, bringing its total India net collection to approximately Rs 2.35 crore. The film had opened to a career-best start of Rs 1.55 crore on day 1, but the Day 2 collections suggest the film could not sustain its opening day momentum.
Trade analysts note that the film's mixed response from critics has impacted its performance. While the film has received praise for Joju George's commanding performance and some of the action sequences, the screenplay and dated execution have been criticized by a section of the audience and reviewers.
Joju George plays the role of Polachan, also known as Poly, a wealthy planter who returns to his native land after being released from prison to confront old rivalries and settle unfinished business. The film marks the first collaboration between Joju George and veteran director Shaji Kailas.
The film features an ensemble cast including Vani Viswanath, Murali Gopy, Arjun Ashokan, Saniya Iyappan, Vincy Aloshious, Sukanya, Baburaj, Deepak Parambol, and Abhimanyu Shammy Thilakan in pivotal roles. The screenplay, penned by A.K. Sajan, has been appreciated for its gritty take on the high-range planter rivalry.
The film's technical team includes Sam C.S. as the music composer, S. Saravanan as the cinematographer, and Shameer Muhammed as the editor. The action choreography, handled by a team of eight stunt masters including Stunt Silva, Kalai Kingson, and Phoenix Prabu, has been a major highlight of the film.
With the film now in its first week, trade sources suggest that its performance will depend on word-of-mouth and how it holds on weekdays. Despite the dip on Day 2, the film's extended opening weekend collections could still help it recover a significant portion of its budget.