Fighter, the new aerial action film by director Siddharth Anand, has debuted at the top of the global box office charts this weekend. The film starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone has earned an impressive worldwide total so far.
Fighter Earns $25 Million Globally in Opening Weekend
According to a report by Deadline, Fighter collected around $25 million (₹207 crore) over its opening weekend worldwide. This includes $4.3 million from North America, per comScore data.
The report estimates that Fighter has earned ₹120 crore ($14.4 million) in its home country of India so far. From 150 IMAX screens across 15 international markets, the film raked in $1.4 million globally.
Fighter Tops Global Box Office Alongside Other Hits
Fighter emerged at the top spot on the global box office charts alongside several other hit films this weekend.
The Sydney Sweeney romantic comedy Anyone But You took in $100 million over the last weekend globally. Its current worldwide total stands at a robust $126.6 million.
Action star Jason Statham’s latest The Beekeeper and Emma Stone’s awards season contender Poor Things added $10 million each to their totals as well.
Strong India Opening for Fighter
In India, Fighter released on Thursday ahead of Republic Day and saw impressive numbers over its first four days.
“Fighter collected ₹24.60 crore on its release on Thursday, witnessed a growth on 2nd day and collected ₹41.20 crore on Friday, Republic Day and then made 27.60 crore on Saturday, day 3. With extremely good buzz around the masses, the film collected 30.20 crore on day 4,” the producers announced.
This takes Fighter’s total Indian box office earnings so far to ₹123.6 crore gross.
About Fighter and Its Cast
Fighter is a patriotic action drama starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor. It is presented by Viacom18 Studios in collaboration with Marflix Pictures.
The film also features Akshay Oberoi, Karan Singh Grover, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in key roles. It centers around an elite new Air Force unit called the Air Dragons, who are the first responders to militant activities in the Kashmir valley.
“They comprise of the best combat aviators handpicked from across the IAF. Fighter is the story of Air Dragons who are willing to give it their all for the nation while going through the highs and lows of their internal and external battles,” the official synopsis states.
Why Fighter Stands Out
Unlike many recent patriotic Indian films that play on anti-Pakistan sentiment, Fighter takes a more nuanced approach. It explores the human costs of conflict, for both ordinary citizens and military personnel.
Rather than demonizing a neighboring country, the film provokes viewers to think critically about the systems and powers that drive violence. Who truly benefits from drumming up nationalism and hatred? The film suggests that people on both sides suffer from the machinations of political and military leaders.
In this way, Fighter sets itself apart as a war drama. While paying tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers, it also dares to dig deeper into the roots of hate. It brings humanity into the picture rather than dehumanizing so-called enemies.
The film has touched many with its powerful message. Fighter proves that a commercial action movie can also convey subtle ideas and unify rather than divide. This unique appeal likely contributes to its emerging box office success.
With Fighter crossing the ₹200 crore mark worldwide, director Siddharth Anand scores another hit after last year’s blockbuster aerial action flick Sky Warriors. For stars Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, the film looks set to become one of their biggest.
Fueled by its nuanced story and impressive action, Fighter is flying high at the global box office so far. The film offers a glimmer of hope that mainstream movies can rise above hate to show our common humanity.
