Divya Khossla and Neil Nitin Mukesh's latest film, "Ek Chatur Naar," has had a slow start at the box office. The dark comedy thriller, directed by Umesh Shukla, reportedly earned ₹50 lakh to ₹1.04 crore net on its opening day, September 12, 2025.

Opening Day Performance

Initial estimates from Sacnilk and other industry trackers reported the film's day one collection as ₹50 lakh. However, later reports revised the opening day collection to ₹1.04 crore. Despite this discrepancy, most sources agree that the film's opening was muted.

The film recorded an overall occupancy of 22.74% in Hindi. Occupancy during morning shows was around 16.66%, which increased to 22.73% during the afternoon, 20.87% during the evening, and 30.71% during night shows. Hyderabad and Chennai showed the highest occupancy rates at 39.25% and 35.50%, respectively, while Delhi recorded 29.25% and Mumbai 17.50%.

Comparisons to Other Releases

"Ek Chatur Naar" was released alongside two other Hindi films, "Mannu Kya Karegga" and "Heer Express". "Ek Chatur Naar" took a nominal lead over these films, which each opened at ₹50 lakh. All three films relied on word-of-mouth and audience reception to boost their box office performance over the weekend.

Critical Reception

The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its clever plot twists and entertaining narrative, while others have criticized its over-the-top drama and predictable storyline. Divya Khossla's performance as the lead character, Mamta, has been described as respectable but underwhelming, with some reviewers noting that the character lacked the cunning and wit that the role promised. Neil Nitin Mukesh's performance has been described as admirably earnest but lacking in gravitas.

Other aspects of the film, such as Chhaya Kadam's comedic performance as the mother-in-law and Amar Mohile's background music, have been noted as highlights. However, some critics have pointed out that the film's abrupt genre shifts, reliance on convenient plot twists, and predictable reveals ultimately undermine its impact.

Plot and Storyline

"Ek Chatur Naar" is set in Lucknow and revolves around Mamta Mishra (Divya Khossla), a widowed mother who uses her wit and charm to overcome her struggles. Her life takes a turn when she steals the smartphone of a corrupt power broker, Abhishek (Neil Nitin Mukesh), and uses the incriminating video to blackmail him. The film is described as a mix of psychological drama, dark comedy, and social messaging.

Challenges and Future Prospects

"Ek Chatur Naar" faces stiff competition from other Bollywood and Hollywood releases that have already established a strong hold at the box office. Several sources indicate that the film's low opening day collection and mixed reviews may make it difficult for the film to gain momentum. However, the film's performance over the weekend will be crucial in determining its overall success.