‘Subham’ box office collections day 1: Samantha’s film opens with Rs 62 lakhs worldwide

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s debut as a producer, ‘Subham’, kicked off its box office journey with a modest opening, collecting Rs 62 lakhs worldwide on its first day.According to the Sacnilk website reports, the film earned Rs 56 lakhs (India net) from its Telugu release, marking an “okayish” start for the quirky horror-comedy.A Unique Horror-Comedy with a Daily Soap TwistDirected by Praveen Kandregula of Cinema Bandi fame and written by Vasanth Mariganti, Subham blends horror, humour, and social satire refreshingly.Set in the early 2000s in the coastal town of Bheemili, the film follows three eccentric couples whose mundane lives spiral into supernatural chaos. The strange happenings are triggered after the wives become obsessed with a mysterious TV soap titled Janma Janmala Bandham, starring fictional stars Sita Mahalakshmi and Raja Babu. The soap's eerie influence on its female viewers adds an offbeat yet relevant layer to the story.Samantha’s First Step as a ProducerWhile 'Subham' features no major stars, Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s involvement as producer and also her cameo performance created a buzz among fans.Room for Growth with Niche AppealWith Rs 62 lakhs worldwide gross on Day 1, ‘Subham’s opening may seem low, but the film’s unique concept and nostalgic setting offer room for growth through positive word-of-mouth. The horror-comedy genre, when executed with originality, has found success in recent Telugu cinema, and 'Subham' could follow a similar path if it connects with its core audience.Our VerdictWe gave ‘Subham’ a rating of 3 stars out of 5 and our official review reads, “The film thrives in its setting. The seaside charm of Bheemili is utilised with flair, giving the story a rich visual and cultural texture. The daily serial motif becomes a clever tool for exploring themes of obsession, gender roles, and blind devotion to television narratives. Samantha makes a brief but effective appearance as Maya Sri, lending star value, a touch of mysticism, and leaving a fun impression. Though the narrative sags slightly in parts, especially in the latter half where some scenes feel repetitive, the film stays largely engaging with its witty writing and off-centre storytelling.”