Ground Zero is Emraan Hashmi's second lowest Day 1 opening after Chehre

Once hailed as Bollywood’s “serial kisser” and a reliable box office draw in the 2000s and early 2010s, Emraan Hashmi’s recent outings have seen a noticeable shift in both genre choices and box office fortunes. While the actor continues to enjoy a loyal fan base, his last few solo and ensemble films have struggled to make a solid mark on their opening day at the ticket windows.Starting with his most recent release, Ground Zero based on the insurgency in the early 2000s in Kashmir, the film managed to collect just Rs 1 crore on its opening day.Despite its gripping subject and Emraan’s intense performance, the film’s niche appeal and limited promotion seem to have affected its initial numbers.Earlier in 2023, Emraan was seen alongside Akshay Kumar in Selfiee, a remake of the Malayalam hit Driving License. Despite star power and a commercial setup, the film opened to a modest Rs 2.55 crore, reflecting the ongoing challenge Bollywood faces in pulling audiences for non-event films.Chehre, a mystery thriller starring Emraan alongside Amitabh Bachchan, hit theatres in 2021 but could only garner Rs 50 lakh on day one. Released during a period of post-pandemic caution, the film faced tough odds despite its star cast.In 2021 itself, Mumbai Saga, a gangster drama co-starring John Abraham, managed a slightly better Rs 2.80 crore opening. While it marked one of Emraan’s stronger starts in recent years, the film couldn't sustain momentum beyond the weekend.Back in 2019, The Body, a mystery thriller, collected Rs 75 lakh on its first day, while Why Cheat India, which had Emraan playing an anti-hero in a socially relevant story, opened at Rs 1.71 crore — a respectable figure considering its unconventional theme.While Emraan Hashmi continues to be a bankable performer with undeniable screen presence, the box office numbers indicate the need for stronger scripts, marketing, and perhaps a return to genres where he once thrived. With upcoming projects in both theatrical and digital spaces, fans remain hopeful for a resurgence in his box office fortunes.