Box Office Verdict: Semi-Hit
Sam Bahadur, Vicky Kaushal’s much-anticipated biopic of India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, collected ₹92.97 crore domestically (net), securing the #127 rank in Filmymojo’s all-time box office rankings. Despite clashing with Animal, the film showed steady legs at the box office.
Box Office Breakdown
Key Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Collection | ₹92.97 crore |
| Rank | #127 (All-Time) |
| Genre | Biographical War Drama |
| Release Month | December 2023 |
| Director | Meghna Gulzar |
| Lead Cast | Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra |
Genre Comparison
- Average Biopic Collection (2023): ₹68.3 crore
- Sam Bahadur vs. Genre Avg: 36% above the genre average
- Top 2023 Biopics:
- The Kashmir Files (₹252.73 crore)
- *83* (₹108.9 crore)
- Sam Bahadur (₹92.97 crore)
- Thalaivii (₹9.8 crore)
Vicky Kaushal’s Box Office Evolution
Sam Bahadur became Vicky’s third highest-grossing film:
| Movie | Collection (₹ Cr) | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uri: The Surgical Strike | 245.36 | #25 | 2019 |
| *Bhoot – Part 1* | 32.25 | #385 | 2020 |
| Sam Bahadur | 92.97 | #127 | 2023 |
| Sardar Udham | (OTT Release) | – | 2021 |
Key Insight: The film proved Vicky’s ability to carry serious dramas after Uri, though with smaller commercial returns than mass entertainers.
Top 5 Military/Biographical Films
How Sam Bahadur compares to other war films:
| Movie | Collection (₹ Cr) | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uri | 245.36 | #25 | 2019 |
| Shershaah | (OTT Release) | – | 2021 |
| Sam Bahadur | 92.97 | #127 | 2023 |
| Pippa | (OTT Release) | – | 2023 |
| The Ghazi Attack | 21.8 | #533 | 2017 |
Audience Reception & Controversies
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 (Highest for a 2023 biopic)
- Word of Mouth:
- Praised for Vicky’s transformative performance
- Criticized for slow pacing in second half
- Controversies:
- Minor debates over historical accuracy
- Comparisons with Animal dominated discussions
- Unique Factor: Only Indian biopic to cover the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War in detail
Clash with Animal: The Numbers Story
Despite releasing alongside Animal, Sam Bahadur showed remarkable resilience:
| Metric | Sam Bahadur | Animal |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Day | ₹6.25 cr | ₹63.8 cr |
| First Week | ₹38.21 cr | ₹253.5 cr |
| Final Total | ₹92.97 cr | ₹553.87 cr |
| Screen Count | 1200 | 3500+ |
Key Takeaway: While Animal dominated, Sam Bahadur found its niche audience, with better per-screen averages in metro cities.
Final Verdict
With ₹92.97 crore, Sam Bahadur emerged as a respectable performer in the biopic space. Its legs (2.43x multiple from opening day) showed strong word-of-mouth among history buffs and critics.
Watch Recommendation: A must-watch for fans of military history and nuanced performances, though not for those seeking mass entertainment.
Data Source: Filmymojo Box Office Database