Two new Hindi films, Yami Gautam Dhar’s Nayyi Navelli and Rajkummar Rao’s Prahaar, are preparing to arrive in cinemas this week. Early box office estimates suggest that both movies could record moderate opening-day collections, although their eventual performance will depend on audience reactions and word of mouth.
Film exhibitor and trade analyst Raj Bansal, speaking exclusively to News9 Digital, believes Nayyi Navelli could have an advantage on its first day. He expects the horror-comedy to earn between ₹2.5 crore and ₹3 crore, while Prahaar could open with approximately ₹2 crore.
Nayyi Navelli May Have an Opening-Day Advantage
According to Bansal, Nayyi Navelli appears better positioned to attract moviegoers when it arrives in theatres. Its horror-comedy format could help draw audiences, but the film’s performance after the opening day will depend on how viewers respond to its content.
Bansal also noted that Rajkummar Rao’s solo releases have generally not delivered particularly strong opening-day collections. Nevertheless, he believes Prahaar could attract attention because of its subject.
Trade Analyst Girish Johar Predicts Stronger Openings
Producer and trade analyst Girish Johar has offered a more optimistic assessment of both releases, particularly Prahaar.
Johar expects Nayyi Navelli to collect between ₹2.5 crore and ₹3.5 crore on its opening day. He cited the film’s genre, family appeal and existing audience awareness as factors that could support its box office performance.
He also pointed to the involvement of filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, suggesting that the association has helped the film generate awareness. Its positioning as a family entertainer, combined with horror-comedy elements, could further encourage audiences to watch it in cinemas.
Johar has projected a stronger opening for Prahaar, estimating first-day collections of ₹3.5 crore to ₹4 crore. While acknowledging Rajkummar Rao’s acting abilities, he suggested that the trailer indicates a stronger appeal among metropolitan audiences.
Prahaar Could Benefit From Its Subject and Lead Performance
Prahaar is a biographical drama based on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Its subject could generate interest among viewers, giving the film an opportunity to attract audiences beyond its initial release day.
According to Johar, however, the film’s long-term box office performance will depend on the quality of its content and the response it receives after release.
Nayyi Navelli, directed by Balaji Mohan, is expected to rely on its horror-comedy format and family-oriented appeal. Meanwhile, Prahaar, directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, will look to draw viewers through its real-life subject and Rajkummar Rao’s performance.
Weekend Audience Response Will Be Crucial
The opening-day estimates from the two trade analysts differ, particularly for Prahaar. Bansal expects the film to collect around ₹2 crore, whereas Johar has forecast earnings of ₹3.5 crore to ₹4 crore. Their estimates for Nayyi Navelli are comparatively close.
Neither film is currently expected to deliver an exceptionally large opening based on these predictions. The weekend collections will therefore be important in determining which release gains momentum.
Ultimately, audience feedback, reviews and word of mouth are likely to play a major role in shaping the box office journeys of both films.
Disclaimer: This article presents box office estimates and opinions shared by trade analysts. The figures are predictions, not confirmed collections, and actual earnings may vary depending on audience response and other factors. The information should not be treated as a guarantee of either film’s commercial performance.