Varun Dhawan's comedy-drama, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, faced a significant drop in box office collections on its fourth day, highlighting the challenges of the post-pandemic film industry. The movie, directed by David Dhawan, collected a mere Rs. 3.25 crore on its first Monday, a 58-60% decline from its opening day. This drop is concerning, especially considering the film's potential to attract audiences until the release of Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga on June 19th. The film's total net collection at the Indian box office stands at Rs. 27 crore, with projections indicating a first-weekend total of around Rs. 35 crore. These figures underscore the ongoing struggle of the rom-com genre and mid-scale films in the post-pandemic era, primarily due to the shift towards digital platforms and the shorter 8-week OTT window, which undermines the theatrical business. This trend has conditioned audiences to wait for streaming releases, making it crucial for filmmakers to extend the theatrical window to at least six months to maintain the genre's viability. The film's performance serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the industry, and the need for strategic adjustments to ensure the survival of the rom-com genre and mid-scale films.
