The romantic drama Do Deewane Sheher Mein has begun its theatrical run with a modest yet slightly better-than-anticipated opening at the box office. Headlined by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur, the film earned approximately Rs 1.25 crore on its first day, according to early trade estimates.
Prior to release, industry projections had suggested a Day 1 collection in the range of Rs 0.50 crore to Rs 1.50 crore, with most predictions centering around the Rs 1 crore mark. In that context, the film’s opening can be seen as a mildly encouraging start. While not a blockbuster debut, the numbers indicate stable initial interest, particularly among urban audiences.
Advance bookings offered an early glimpse into audience curiosity. The film reportedly sold over 10,000 tickets on BookMyShow before its release, reflecting cautious but visible traction among younger viewers. Given the genre’s reliance on word-of-mouth, trade analysts believe that positive audience feedback over the weekend will play a crucial role in determining whether the film can build momentum and sustain its theatrical run.
Adding to the opening-day dynamics was its box office clash with Assi, starring Taapsee Pannu. While the two films cater to different sensibilities — one being a romance-driven narrative and the other rooted in courtroom drama — their simultaneous release created an interesting competitive scenario. Despite the clash, Do Deewane Sheher Mein managed to carve out its space, suggesting that audiences are open to varied storytelling options.
Backed by Zee Studios and Bhansali Productions, the film follows the emotional journey of Shashank and Roshni as they navigate love, ambition and self-discovery in a bustling metropolitan setting. The narrative blends romance with introspection, exploring how two individuals confront personal doubts, evolving dreams and the vulnerability that accompanies unexpected intimacy. Its slice-of-life approach and vibrant city backdrop have particularly resonated with younger moviegoers drawn to contemporary love stories.
Though the opening figures remain moderate, industry observers maintain that the weekend collections will ultimately determine the film’s box office trajectory. Romantic dramas often depend on strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewings, factors that could potentially help the film establish a stable run if audience reactions remain positive.
For Siddhant Chaturvedi, the film marks another step in a steadily evolving career. The actor first gained widespread recognition with his breakout performance in Gully Boy, which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, he has worked across genres, appearing in projects such as Bunty Aur Babli 2, Phone Bhoot, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Dhadak 2. Over time, he has carved a niche for himself in Hindi cinema by choosing roles that reflect both youthful energy and emotional depth.
In a recent interview with ETV Bharat, the actor candidly spoke about the insecurities he faced while growing up. Chaturvedi revealed that as a child, he was often teased for his curly hair, small eyes and limited fluency in English. Classmates mockingly called him “Maggi noodles” because of his hair and sometimes used insensitive remarks about his appearance and background. Speaking Bhojpuri at home also became a source of ridicule, which deeply affected his self-confidence.
He admitted that these experiences made him withdrawn and hesitant to express himself. Even when he knew the correct answers in class, he refrained from raising his hand. He avoided confronting unfair treatment and struggled with self-doubt. However, over time, he began embracing the very traits that once made him insecure.
Today, he sees his curly hair and distinctive features as integral parts of his identity. During auditions, he was told that a boy with curly hair could not be a conventional hero and that small eyes would not stand out on camera. Rather than internalizing those remarks, he chose to persevere. For Chaturvedi, accepting his individuality became a turning point. What once felt like weaknesses eventually became defining strengths.
As Do Deewane Sheher Mein continues its theatrical journey, its weekend performance will reveal whether it can translate steady curiosity into sustained success. For now, the film’s opening suggests cautious optimism — much like the journey of its leading man, who turned self-doubt into self-belief.
