The first major box office showdown of 2025 brought together two highly anticipated films—Ram Charan’s pan-India project “Game Changer” and Sonu Sood’s directorial debut “Fateh”. Released on the same day, both films vied for audience attention, creating a thrilling competition. But when it came to the opening weekend collections, one film clearly stole the show.
Here’s an in-depth look at the day-wise earnings, storylines, and unique features of these films, revealing which one triumphed at the box office.
The Box Office Clash
Both films opened strong, albeit with differing scopes and appeals.
- Game Changer: A high-budget political thriller directed by Shankar, starring Ram Charan in a dual role, supported by a stellar cast and grand visuals.
- Fateh: An action-drama highlighting the dangers of cybercrime, directed by and starring Sonu Sood, with a socially relevant message.
Complicating the competition further was Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” which remained a crowd favorite even a month after its release. Despite this, “Game Changer” and “Fateh“ carved their niches—but their box office collections painted a stark contrast.
Day-Wise Box Office Collections
Game Changer
Ram Charan’s star power and Shankar’s grand direction ensured a blockbuster opening weekend:
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹51 crore
- Telugu: ₹41.25 crore
- Tamil: ₹2.12 crore
- Hindi: ₹7.5 crore
- Kannada: ₹10 lakh
- Malayalam: ₹3 lakh
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹21.6 crore
- Telugu: ₹12.5 crore
- Tamil: ₹1.7 crore
- Hindi: ₹7.3 crore
- Kannada: ₹10 lakh
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹17 crore
- Telugu: ₹8 crore
- Tamil: ₹1.2 crore
- Hindi: ₹7.7 crore
- Kannada: ₹10 lakh
Total Weekend Collection: ₹90 crore
Fateh
Sonu Sood’s debut film had a modest start despite its socially conscious theme:
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹2.4 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹2.1 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹2.17 crore
Total Weekend Collection: ₹6.69 crore
The Verdict: A Clear Winner
With an opening weekend collection of ₹90 crore, “Game Changer” emerged as the undisputed winner, dwarfing the ₹6.69 crore earned by “Fateh.”
Why “Game Changer” Dominated:
- Star Power: Ram Charan’s massive fan base, especially in the South, played a pivotal role.
- Pan-India Reach: A release in multiple languages maximized audience reach.
- Shankar’s Direction: Known for his larger-than-life narratives, Shankar delivered a high-octane cinematic experience.
On the other hand, while “Fateh” tackled a socially relevant issue and received praise for its message, it struggled to translate this into box office success.
What Made These Films Unique?
Game Changer
A political thriller with Ram Charan in dual roles, the film combined intense drama, action, and stunning visuals. The supporting cast, including Kiara Advani and SJ Surya, further elevated the narrative.
Key Highlights:
- Grand action sequences and visual effects.
- Political undertones woven into an engaging storyline.
- Stellar performances by the lead and ensemble cast.
Fateh
Focusing on cybercrime, “Fateh” aimed to shed light on the perils of the digital world. Co-starring Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz, and Naseeruddin Shah, it marked Sonu Sood’s ambitious debut as a director.
Key Highlights:
- A unique and relevant storyline centered on cybersecurity.
- Sonu Sood’s earnest effort as a first-time director.
- Strong performances from an experienced cast.
Audience Reactions
Game Changer
Audiences lauded the film’s thrilling plot, Ram Charan’s performance, and Shankar’s visionary direction. The double-role dynamic was particularly well-received, adding depth to the story.
Fateh
While “Fateh” was appreciated for its message and performances, critics noted that its execution fell short, which likely impacted its box office appeal.
Conclusion
The first weekend of 2025 saw “Game Changer” dominate the box office, earning ₹90 crore and solidifying its blockbuster status. Meanwhile, “Fateh” faced an uphill battle, with collections totaling ₹6.69 crore.
For cinephiles, the choice between a grand political thriller and a socially relevant action-drama was intriguing, but the numbers tell the story—Ram Charan’s pan-India appeal and Shankar’s direction proved to be the ultimate game-changer.
As the weeks progress, it remains to be seen whether “Fateh” can gain momentum through word of mouth. But for now, “Game Changer” reigns supreme, setting the tone for a competitive year in cinema.