The mythic horror “Jatadhara” promised chills, mystery, and a touch of Indian mythology — but its box office opening tells a different story. Despite Sonakshi Sinha’s much-hyped Telugu debut and a visually striking trailer, the film managed to collect only ₹20 lakh on Day 1. Yes, you read that right — just ₹20 lakh! For a film that carried sky-high expectations, this opening has left fans and trade analysts stunned.
About “Jatadhara Movie”
Directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, Jatadhara is a mythological horror thriller starring Sonakshi Sinha and Sudheer Babu in lead roles. The story unfolds around an ancient curse linked to the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, where the lines between faith and fear blur.
Sonakshi plays Dhanapisachi, a mythic guardian spirit who guards hidden wealth. Her role marks her Telugu film debut, while Sudheer Babu plays Shiva, a rational ghost hunter who doesn’t believe in the supernatural — until fate pulls him into a world of dark secrets and divine retribution.
Jatadhara Box Office Collection Day 1
According to early estimates, “Jatadhara” earned around ₹20 lakh (India net) across all languages on its opening day. While it gained decent traction in Telugu regions, the Hindi version struggled, with low occupancy rates throughout the day.
Trade analysts say that despite strong critical buzz for its visuals and concept, poor promotions and niche appeal may have held back its opening numbers. In contrast, other mythological thrillers like Virupaksha and Karthikeya opened in crores — highlighting how Jatadhara’s slow start could be a concern for the makers.
Storyline and Themes
Jatadhara blends Indian mythology with modern science, exploring how faith and logic collide when the past returns to haunt the present.
The story revolves around Shiva, who investigates a mysterious curse known as Pisachi Bandhana — a sacred seal meant to contain a dark entity called Dhanapisachi. When the seal breaks, chaos erupts, and Shiva must face the truth about his own past.
The movie offers haunting visuals, temple lore, black magic rituals, and emotional drama, all stitched into a supernatural narrative that questions what lies beyond belief.
Performances and Direction
Sonakshi Sinha, in her new Telugu avatar, looks captivating as Dhanapisachi, though her screen time is limited. Sudheer Babu delivers an emotionally grounded performance as a man torn between logic and destiny.
However, critics felt that the direction by Abhishek Jaiswal and Venkat Kalyan lacked polish and emotional grip. The pacing drags in parts, and some scenes feel over-stretched. Despite its stunning concept, the execution didn’t fully connect with audiences.
Audience Reactions
While some viewers praised Jatadhara for its ambitious storytelling and mythic references, others called it slow, confusing, and too preachy. Social media reactions have been mixed — with fans of Sonakshi applauding her bold choice of genre, but box office watchers expressing disappointment at the opening figures.
Still, many believe that the weekend could bring better numbers if positive word of mouth spreads.
Can “Jatadhara” Recover?
Experts say the film might pick up slightly over the weekend, especially in Andhra and Telangana, where mythological thrillers have a loyal following. However, with upcoming releases and competition from other OTT-bound films, the road ahead looks tough for Jatadhara.
If audiences connect with its spiritual message and eerie visuals, the movie might see a slow-burn success. Otherwise, it risks being another forgotten mythic experiment in Bollywood’s horror space.
Jatadhara had everything — a strong star cast, mythological depth, and a powerful theme. Yet, its weak start proves once again that concepts need connection, not just ambition. Sonakshi Sinha’s mythic horror experiment has opened small, but fans still hope the movie finds its audience in the coming days.
Jatadhara Box Office Day 1 Shock: Sonakshi Sinha’s Mythic Horror Fails to Roar, Earns Just ₹20 Lakh!
Sonakshi Sinha’s Jatadhara opens to a disappointing ₹20 lakh on Day 1. Despite mythic themes and bold visuals, the film struggles to pull audiences. Can word of mouth save it?
