Amid high hopes and buzzing anticipation, Ajay Devgn’s latest venture Maidaan graced cinema halls, stirring a wave of excitement among fans.

The sports drama, directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, steps back in time to chart the true story of football coach Syed Abdul Rahim’s contributions to Indian football. Unfortunately, its opening bow at the box office fell short of expectations.
Maidaan Box Office Collection Day 1
Early reports signal that the film’s opening day closed with earnings of roughly Rs 7.10 crore net, inclusive of the income generated from paid preview shows. The paid previews raked in Rs 2.6 crore on Wednesday, and Thursday—an Eid holiday—saw a sum of Rs 4.50 crore.
While the film garnered strong reviews, its box office haul struggled. Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru showcased the highest occupancy among Hindi shows at 14.56%. Yet, when positioned against the clash with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, fronted by Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, Maidaan couldn’t notch a resounding kickoff.
Day | India Net Collection |
Day 0 [ Wednesday] | ₹ 2.6 Cr |
Day 1 [ Thursday] | ₹ 4.5 Cr |
Total | ₹ 7.10 Cr |
Market Dynamics and Competition
Sharing its debut with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan proved a challenge, as the latter opted to forego Wednesday previews, seeking a stronger Eid opening. This tactical move may have divided the audience attention which is seen as a factor in the collections.
Despite its sincere telling of a proud chapter in Indian sports history, Maidaan’s four-year delay to get off the ground might have slackened its allure in the fiercely competitive cinema landscape.
Budget and Break-Evens
With a hefty production budget of Rs 100 crore, Maidaan has a steep hill to climb to achieve break-even. As the film unfolds in theaters, it will be critical to watch if the film catches up over the weekend, benefiting from word-of-mouth advertisement and the lasting appeal of its leading man, Ajay Devgn.
Star-Studded Support
Prior to its release, the film’s profile did rise with a celebrity-filled screening. Dignitaries such as Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, and industry stalwarts graced the event, symbolizing the industry’s support for the project.
Cast and Plot Resonance
Devgn’s role as football coach Syed Abdul Rahim finds support from a commendable cast including Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh, who deliver poignant performances bringing to light a forgotten tale of sports triumph.

Public and Critical Reception
The public’s reaction to Maidaan has been one of respect for the football narrative and Devgn’s effort to bring the story to life. Yet, the contemporary relevance of a historical sports drama is a test that time at the box office will answer.
Related article: ‘Maidaan’ 2024 Movie Review
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The first day’s collection points to a challenging path for Maidaan. However, weekends historically shift box office tides. Can positive reviews and an appeal to sports and drama enthusiasts elevate the film’s status and collections in the days to come? Only time will tell if Maidaan will triumph in the cinematic league.
In a landscape of high budget films and showbiz glitz, Maidaan stands out as a heartfelt tribute to Indian sports glory. It remains to be seen if the audiences will match their sentimental values with footfall, allowing Maidaan to convert its slow start into a winning streak.