The Buckingham Murders Box Office Early Day 1: Kareena Kapoor's Career Lowest Opening, Film Mints 37 Lakh

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s The Buckingham Murders was released in theatres on Friday, September 13. The Hansal Mehta directorial venture follows a grieving detective, who investigates a murder that reminds her of her own haunting past. Despite the prowess of Kapoor and Mehta, the film’s opening day early numbers look grim.

As per Sacnilk.com’s early estimates, the film has earned just Rs 37 lakh nett in India. The film had an overall occupancy of 6.93% on its opening day. Of its total 1300 shows across the country, the highest were in the NCR region – 366. Mumbai had 237 shows, followed by 213 in Ahmedabad and 72 in Lucknow.

Although the film opened to mostly positive reviews, all praising Kareena Kapoor’s acting chops, the numbers paint a bleak picture. This crime thriller succumbs to its own strength – the niche storytelling style, uncommon in typical commercial films.  Katrina Kaif’s Merry Christmas, another crime thriller, faced the same fate.

News18 gave the film 4 out of 5 stars for its powerful performances, intention and brilliant cinematography. Our review read, “The Buckingham Murders is a slow-burn police procedural, mounted on the able shoulders of Kareena Kapoor Khan. It is a two-hour testament to Kareena’s brilliance as an actor. Mehta brings out the best in her. The actress, who once called herself ‘the most commercial heroine’, impresses with her unglamorous, nuanced expression of unresolved grief and devastation. Her silent desolation and subtle ways of rebellion become the film’s driving force.”

The review added, “While the film’s cast is fantastic in their roles, its heart is behind the camera. Director Hansal Mehta and editor Amitesh Mukherjee carefully set the colour palette of the film, which accentuates the grimness of the characters. Director of Photography Emma Dalesman masterfully brings the story to life. She treats the character’s environment as their extensions and the result is a visual treat on screen.”

“The Buckingham Murders becomes a must-watch with its compelling performances and visual storytelling. A de-glam Kareena Kapoor has never left fans disappointed. Like in Udta Punjab and Jaane Jaan, Kapoor’s masterful acting chops are on full display here. Add to that Hansal Mehta’s brilliant vision and we have ourselves a delectable dyad,” the review also mentioned.