Director Imtiaz Ali’s much-awaited romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga finally arrived in cinemas on June 12, 2026. Featuring an impressive cast led by Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vedang Raina, and Naseeruddin Shah, the film had generated considerable buzz before its release due to its emotional storyline inspired by the Partition era. Despite positive reviews from critics and praise for the performances, the film witnessed a relatively slow start at the Indian box office on its opening day. According to early trade reports, Main Vaapas Aaunga collected approximately ₹1.15 crore net in India on Day 1, with occupancy remaining around 11% across more than 2,300 shows nationwide.

A Story Rooted in Love and History

The film explores a poignant love story set against the backdrop of the Partition of India. Imtiaz Ali, known for emotionally driven narratives, has attempted to blend romance, nostalgia, and historical tragedy into a deeply personal cinematic experience. Audiences and critics have particularly appreciated the performances of Diljit Dosanjh and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.

Box Office Performance Falls Below Expectations

While the film managed to emerge slightly ahead of some competing releases, its opening-day collection has been lower than many industry expectations. Trade analysts believe the film’s niche subject matter and strong competition from other new releases impacted its initial box-office performance. The opening figures also place the film among the lower opening-day collections of Imtiaz Ali’s theatrical releases. However, the director’s films have historically benefited from strong word-of-mouth publicity over time.

Weekend Growth Will Be Crucial

Industry experts are now closely watching the weekend trend. Positive audience feedback and favorable reviews could help the film witness growth on Saturday and Sunday. The emotional narrative, powerful performances, and A.R. Rahman’s music may encourage family audiences and fans of romantic dramas to visit theatres in the coming days.

Can Diljit Deliver Another Surprise Success?

Diljit Dosanjh continues to enjoy immense popularity across India and overseas markets. While the opening-day numbers may not be extraordinary, his loyal fan base and the film’s emotional appeal could contribute to stronger collections over the weekend. The coming days will determine whether Main Vaapas Aaunga can transform its slow opening into a successful theatrical run through positive word of mouth.

Main Vaapas Aaunga has started its box-office journey with an estimated ₹1.15 crore Day 1 collection, a modest figure for a film carrying significant expectations. However, with strong performances, positive reviews, and Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling reputation, the romantic drama still has an opportunity to improve its fortunes during the weekend and beyond.