Akshay Kumar's latest film, Khel Khel Mein, is set to make its OTT debut on Netflix on October 9, 2024. The comedy-drama, directed by Mudassar Aziz, has been generating interest among fans and critics alike despite its box office performance.
1. Box Office Performance
Khel Khel Mein was released in theaters on August 15, 2024, coinciding with Independence Day. However, it faced stiff competition from Shraddha Kapoor's 'Stree 2' and Vedaa, which dominated the box office with a wider release across 3500 screens. Despite earning positive reviews, Khel Khel Mein managed only around 1800-2000 screens and earned merely over 40 crores nett, which was below average during its runtime in the box office.
The film's failure at the box office can be attributed to its poor marketing and the lack of pre-release hype. Despite being made on a budget of 100 crores, it concluded its run at 47.57 crores, failing to recover even 50% of its budget.
2. OTT Release Details
Khel Khel Mein will be available on Netflix starting October 9, 2024. The film stars Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Pragya Jaiswal, and Aditya Seal. It is an official remake of the 2016 Italian film Perfect Strangers and has garnered excitement among fans for its comedic take on themes of infidelity and deception.
The OTT release is expected to give the film a fresh opportunity to reach a wider audience. Fans believe that the filmmaker's decision to release it on streaming platforms will be better appreciated than it was in theaters. Additionally, Akshay Kumar's return to romantic comedies after a long break has added to the anticipation around the film.
3. Cast and Crew
The ensemble cast of Khel Khel Mein includes Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Pragya Jaiswal, and Aditya Seal. The film also features special appearances by Arjun Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Aparshakti Khurana, and Chitrangda Singh.
Akshay Kumar has reportedly charged a whopping sum of 60 crores in salary for his role in the film. This significant investment in the lead actor reflects the producer's confidence in the project's potential despite its box office performance.
4. Competition and Expectations
Khel Khel Mein will be competing against another recent release, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which also starred Akshay Kumar. Although Bade Miyan Chote Miyan garnered significant viewership on Netflix with 8 million views, it remains to be seen whether Khel Khel Mein can match or surpass these numbers.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the digital debut of Khel Khel Mein, hoping that it will be better appreciated in the streaming service than it was in theaters. The film's themes of infidelity and deception, combined with its comedic elements, make it an intriguing watch for audiences looking for a light-hearted yet engaging story.
