Cinema VinesImtiaz Ali’s romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga has defied early expectations, turning into a commercial success by its sixth week in theatres. The film, which opened on June 12, 2026, initially struggled at the box office but saw a dramatic turnaround in the second week, buoyed by strong word‑of‑mouth and a popular soundtrack that climbed the charts.
Producer Mohit Choudhary told PTI that the movie has now recovered its production costs through both theatrical and non‑theatrical revenue streams. “The box office success of Main Vaapas Aaunga is a reflection of the love the film has received from the audience. A very strong word of mouth powers it ahead as it marches towards a 50‑plus day theatrical run,” he said. He added that the film had been a “people’s hit” from the start and is now officially a commercial hit.
Choudhary expressed gratitude to the film’s partners—Applause Entertainment, Birla Studios and Tips Music—as well as the cast, crew and director Imtiaz Ali for their contributions. The movie premiered on 804 screens in 59 countries worldwide, later expanding its European presence to 15 countries. In India, it attracted audiences beyond traditional Hindi‑speaking regions, performing well in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
The story follows a 95‑year‑old man who suffers a stroke while attempting to reach Pakistan. As his memories return, his grandson pieces together a life that existed before the Partition, revealing emotional wounds and lost connections shaped by history and borders. The cast includes Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari and Vedang Raina.
With a fifth collaboration between Imtiaz Ali and composer AR Rahman—following Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila—Main Vaapas Aaunga has become one of the year’s most talked‑about success stories, proving that a slow start does not preclude a strong finish.
