Actor Kunal Khemu is back in the spotlight as his latest film ‘Vibe’ hits theatres across India, drawing attention from moviegoers and critics alike. The comedy-drama managed to collect approximately Rs 1.50 crore on its opening day, a figure that, while modest, notably surpassed the first-day earnings of Kareena Kapoor’s ‘Daayra’ — a comparison that has sparked conversations among Bollywood fans and trade analysts.
The film, which sees Khemu in a lead role with significant creative ambition, has received a mixed reception from critics. Reviewers have noted that ‘Vibe’ leans heavily into indulgence, with the overall tone of the film reflecting a certain self-assured quality that may appeal to fans of the genre but could leave others wanting more direction.
A review published by The Hindu described the film as ‘rudderless’ and ‘overlong,’ suggesting that while Khemu aims high — reaching for the stars in terms of comedic and dramatic ambition — the film struggles to maintain focus throughout its runtime. Critics pointed out that the script meanders at points, which may affect audience retention beyond the opening weekend.
Despite the critical reservations, the opening day numbers offer a glimmer of encouragement for the film’s team. In a crowded entertainment landscape where mid-budget Bollywood films often struggle to find footing, earning Rs 1.50 crore on day one keeps the film in contention for a reasonable theatrical run, provided word-of-mouth builds positively over the coming days.
Kunal Khemu, who has built a loyal fanbase over the years through films like the ‘Go Goa Gone’ franchise, is clearly pushing himself creatively with ‘Vibe.’ Whether the film ultimately finds its audience remains to be seen, but its opening weekend performance will be closely watched by industry observers as a test of Khemu’s solo star power at the box office.
