Kunal Kemmu’s second directorial venture, Vibe, has seen a slow start at the domestic box office, earning Rs 1.50 crore nett on its opening day. The film debuted in theatres on September 18, 2026, as reported by the trade analytics platform, Sacnilk. Despite the lacklustre response, Vibe managed to surpass the opening collections of two other films, namely Ek Din and Main Vaapas Aaunga, which both grossed Rs 1.15 crore on their respective first days.

Throughout its initial day in theatres, Vibe experienced an overall occupancy rate of 13.38 per cent across 3,194 shows. The morning screenings had a modest occupancy of 6 per cent, which gradually increased to 11.31 per cent during the afternoon and peaked at 14 per cent in the evening. Notably, the highest occupancy was recorded in the Delhi-NCR region, which saw 13 per cent across 440 shows. Other major cities including Pune, Kolkata, and Hyderabad reported an occupancy rate of 11 per cent each, while Mumbai maintained an occupancy of 11 per cent across 328 shows.

Comparison with Previous Directorial Debut

Interestingly, Vibe’s opening day collection mirrors that of Kunal Kemmu’s first film as a director, Madgaon Express, which also earned Rs 1.50 crore on its debut. Madgaon Express similarly had a slow start before gaining traction following its release on OTT platforms. The current film’s performance could potentially follow a similar trajectory, depending on audience reception and word-of-mouth as the days progress.

Another aspect to note is that Vibe shares the box office stage with Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s film, Daayra. The competition between these two releases may have contributed to the subdued opening numbers for both titles. As they vie for audience attention, it will be interesting to see how each film performs in the coming days and weeks.

In terms of thematic content, Vibe follows the story of two friends, Hardik and Bugs, as they find themselves unexpectedly entangled in a high-stakes mission linked to Indian intelligence agencies. This narrative, combining elements of action and comedy, adds complexity and intrigue, appealing to a segment of viewers who appreciate such genres.

Film’s Reception and Critical Reviews

The film has garnered mixed reviews since its release. IndiaToday.in described Vibe as “messy, occasionally overstuffed and undeniably indulgent,” while also acknowledging its unique comedic voice. The review further noted that the film’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of two incredibly unprepared friends navigating a world full of expectations. This theme may resonate with audiences who appreciate relatable character dynamics amidst adventurous circumstances.

Vibe features a cast that includes both Kunal Kemmu and prominent actors Sparsh Shrivastava and Preity Zinta. The combination of Kemmu’s direction and acting, along with the engaging storyline, aims to attract a diverse audience. As the film enters its subsequent days in theatres, it will be crucial to monitor audience responses to determine its future trajectory at the box office.

Overall, while Vibe’s opening day earnings were not stellar, it surpassed several comparable titles and presents an interesting narrative that may gain traction over time. The film’s unique premise and comedic elements could help it appeal to viewers looking for an entertaining cinematic experience.

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