John Abraham is back on the big screen with The Diplomat, and this time, he has no competition at the box office. Unlike his last release, which faced a major Independence Day clash, The Diplomat has an open ground to perform. With Chhaava no longer posing a threat, all eyes are on how this political thriller will fare at the Indian box office.
But will it manage to enter the list of the top Holi openers in Bollywood history? Let’s dive into the numbers!
Does a Holi Release Help a Film?
Unlike Christmas or Diwali, Holi isn’t the most favorable festival for a film’s box office numbers. The celebrations keep people busy in the morning, leading to low footfalls during the early shows. Most of the business picks up in the afternoon or evening. Despite this, some films have managed to post strong openings during Holi.
Kesari Still Holds the Record for the Biggest Holi Opener
When it comes to Holi releases, Akshay Kumar’s Kesari (2019) remains the undisputed king. The historical war drama opened to a massive ₹21.06 crores, a record that remains unchallenged even after six years. No Bollywood film has managed to surpass it, and it is expected to stay at the top unless a big-ticket film arrives next Holi.
Other than Kesari, no film has been able to cross the ₹20 crore mark on Holi. Here’s a look at the top 5 Holi openers of Bollywood:
Top 5 Holi Openers in Bollywood History
1. Kesari (2019) – ₹21.06 crores
2. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) – ₹15.73 crores
3. Bachchhan Paandey (2022) – ₹13.25 crores
4. Pari (2018) – ₹4.36 crores
5. Kahaani (2012) – ₹2.95 crores
Can The Diplomat Enter the Top 5?
Looking at the box office trends, The Diplomat is expected to have a slow start. Early predictions suggest an opening of ₹2-2.50 crores, which would make it one of John Abraham’s lowest openers. With this number, it is unlikely to break into the top 5 Holi openers unless it receives strong word-of-mouth and manages to push towards the ₹3 crore mark.
If The Diplomat crosses ₹2.95 crores, it could surpass Kahaani and enter the list. But given its low pre-release buzz, the challenge is steep. The film’s success now depends on how well the audience connects with its storyline and performances.
Final Thoughts
Holi releases have always been tricky, and The Diplomat is no exception. While John Abraham has a strong fanbase, the film will need positive reviews and audience support to climb the box office charts. Whether it makes it to the top 5 or not, its long-term success will depend on word-of-mouth and weekend growth.
Will The Diplomat surprise everyone with a strong box office run? Let’s wait and watch!
