Sky Force, the latest movie by Akshay Kumar, is breaking box office records for Akshay Kumar since 2021 by delivering an impressive performance over its opening weekend. The Akshay Kumar-led film, which was released on January 24, 2025, grossed approximately ₹71.5 crore net by Sunday, making it one of the most successful openings of the year. This military drama is set against the backdrop of the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
Sky Force Box Office Highlights
The film started modestly on Day 1 by collecting ₹12.25 crore. However, as positive word of mouth spreads, collections surged on Day 2 (Saturday), reaching ₹22 crore—a remarkable 79.59% increase. The real boost came on Day 3 (Sunday). Sunday is a holiday, so it’s pretty obvious to get a rise in the number of viewers, and it also coincided with Republic Day celebrations, which drew large crowds to theaters. Sunday’s collection was estimated at ₹31.5 crore net, a significant rise by the festive spirit and strong audience turnout on Sunday’s holiday and a national holiday.
Day-wise Breakdown:
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹12.25 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹22 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹31.5 crore
- Total Weekend Collection: ₹71.5 crore net
This impressive start has put the film on track to cross the 100 crore mark, provided it maintains momentum during the weekdays. The audience’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and the film’s patriotic message has connected strongly with viewers.
Occupancy Report
The rise in box office collections was found by high occupancy rates throughout the weekend. On Day 3, the film saw a significant hike, particularly in afternoon and evening shows. According to reports, the film’s Day 3 occupancy stood at:
- Morning Shows: 26.78%
- Afternoon Shows: 47.22%
- Evening Shows: 56.52%
When compared to Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s Fighter, Sky Force outshone its counterpart in audience turnout, with around 44% more viewers during the afternoon and 41% more in the evening shows. This achievement reflects the strong vibe surrounding the film and its ability to attract audiences across India.
A Historical Connection
One of the reasons for Sky Force’s appeal is its historical significance. The film centers on India’s first and deadliest airstrike during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. Akshay Kumar plays Wing Commander Kumar Om Ahuja, an Indian Air Force officer tasked with leading a critical mission to locate his missing comrade, portrayed by debutant Veer Pahariya.
The 1965 war, which arose from disputes over Jammu and Kashmir, saw Pakistan’s “Operation Gibraltar” attempt to infiltrate Indian territory and incite rebellion. In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role, launching airstrikes against Pakistani air bases and supply lines. These operations disrupted enemy advances and highlighted India’s superior air power, eventually leading to a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations.
Sky Force brings this chapter of history to life. The film not only pays tribute to the bravery of Indian pilots but also shows a lesser-known aspect of India’s military history.
Star Cast and Direction
The film boasts a stellar cast, with Akshay Kumar delivering a powerful performance as Wing Commander Ahuja. Veer Pahariya, making his debut, impresses in his role as Ahuja’s missing comrade. Supporting roles by Sara Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar, and Nimrat Kaur add depth to the story. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani, Sky Force combines high-octane action with emotional storytelling, making it a well-rounded cinematic experience.
Prediction of Performance
While Sky Force has had a remarkable start, its true test lies in its weekday performance, as weekdays are majorly challenging in comparison to weekends. A strong Monday hold could solidify its chances of becoming a box office hit and crossing the ₹100 crore milestone. For Akshay Kumar, this film represents a much-needed comeback, as his recent projects have underperformed. The success of Sky Force could regain his stature as a demanded star in the entertainment industry of Bollywood.
Official Trailer by Maddock Films on Youtube
Conclusion
Sky Force is more than just a box office success. It is a cinematic tribute to India’s military heroes and a celebration of their sacrifices. With its real-life story, stellar performances, and patriotic appeal, the film has captured the hearts of audiences nationwide and worldwide. As it continues its journey at the box office, Sky Force serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience that define India’s armed forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1) What is the total box office collection of Sky Force after its first weekend?
Ans: Sky Force grossed approximately ₹71.5 crore net by the end of its first weekend.
Q2) How did the film perform on Republic Day?
Ans: Republic Day (Day 3) was the most successful day for Sky Force, with collections reaching ₹31.5 crore net.
Q3) What is the significance of Sky Force’s storyline?
Ans: The film highlights India’s first airstrike during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, focusing on the bravery and strategic role of the Indian Air Force.
Q4) How does Sky Force compare to Fighter in terms of occupancy?
Ans: On Day 3, Sky Force outperformed Fighter, with 44% higher afternoon footfalls and 41% higher evening footfalls.
Q5) Who are the key actors in Sky Force?
Ans: The film stars Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar, and Nimrat Kaur. It marks the debut of Veer Pahariya.