Gippy Grewal’s historical action drama Akaal has become the highest-grossing Punjabi film of 2025 so far, collecting ₹4.89 crore in its first six days at the domestic box office. While that number may not seem monumental in the grander scheme of Punjabi cinema, it’s significant in a year where most films have struggled to make an impact.
With no Punjabi film touching the ₹5 crore mark in the first four months of the year, Akaal’s performance highlights a deeper truth: 2025 has been a quiet, underwhelming year for the industry—both commercially and culturally.
“When ₹4.89 crore is enough to top the year’s charts, it says more about the state of the Punjabi box office than the film itself.”
A Quiet Year, A Qualified Win
Akaal began with a moderate opening of ₹0.85 crore, but picked up pace over the weekend with encouraging growth on Saturday and Sunday. Its six-day total of ₹4.89 crore puts it ahead of other 2025 Punjabi releases like Badnaam, Hoshiar Singh (Apna Arastu), and Mithde, all of which remained in the ₹2–3 crore range.
In any other year, these numbers might not warrant celebration. But in the current climate, where even well-promoted titles have failed to excite audiences, Akaal stands out—less for how far it has gone, and more for how little competition it has faced.
Gippy Grewal: A Veteran in a Volatile Market
Gippy Grewal’s presence is a major factor in the film’s traction. One of Punjabi cinema’s most reliable stars, Gippy has consistently juggled mass entertainers (Carry On Jatta series), experimental dramas (Ardaas, Posti), and now historical spectacles like Akaal.
“In 2025, Akaal may not be a landmark film—but it’s a testament to Gippy Grewal’s enduring grip on Punjabi cinema.”
His ability to wear multiple hats—as actor, director, and producer—has made him a cornerstone of the industry. While Akaal doesn’t break new ground creatively, it reinforces Gippy’s command over audience interest, especially when supported by strong visuals and production muscle. The involvement of Dharma Productions and Poonawalla Entertainment gives the film a polished scale not often seen in regional films of this genre.
Can Akaal Climb the All-Time Ranks?
Even with its early lead in 2025, Akaal remains far behind Punjabi cinema’s biggest box office milestones. Films like Jatt & Juliet 3 and Carry On Jatta 3 soared past ₹100 crore worldwide, redefining the potential for Punjabi films globally. Gippy himself headlined Carry On Jatta 3, which was a roaring success in 2023.
In contrast, Akaal is still finding its feet in week one. For it to enter any serious conversation about “all-time greats,” it would need not just consistency but an exceptional hold in the weeks to come—and potentially a boost from overseas markets.
A Mirror to the Industry’s Current Mood
Rather than signalling a revival, Akaal feels more like a modest torchbearer in a dimly lit corridor. Its success, however relative, does show that audiences are still willing to turn up for a film that offers scale, story, and a familiar face. But it also reflects the broader challenge: few Punjabi films in 2025 have managed to connect, either commercially or culturally.
If nothing else, Akaal proves there’s still value in a well-mounted theatrical experience—especially one anchored by a trusted name like Gippy Grewal. But the industry has some soul-searching to do. Bigger risks, fresher stories, and stronger narratives are the need of the hour.
As Akaal inches toward the ₹5 crore mark and beyond, its journey will be closely watched—not just for its own legacy, but for what it might indicate about the road ahead for Punjabi cinema.
Gippy Grewal’s Akaal Becomes Highest-Grossing Punjabi Film of 2025—But It Also Reveals a Troubling Trend
In a year where Punjabi cinema has struggled to find its footing, Gippy Grewal’s Akaal has emerged as a rare commercial winner. The historical action drama has collected ₹4.89 crore India net in its first six days, making it the top-grossing Punjabi film of 2025 so far. But while the milestone might seem celebratory on the surface, it also casts a revealing light on the industry’s current state.
Film Akaal’s Six-Day India Net Collection: ₹4.89 Cr
Daily Breakdown:
Thu: ₹0.85 Cr
Fri: ₹0.59 Cr
Sat: ₹0.90 Cr
Sun: ₹1.40 Cr
Mon: ₹0.67 Cr
Tue: ₹0.48 Cr (early estimate)
This reflect more than just Akaal‘s dominance—they reflect how dry the box office has been for Punjabi cinema this year. The industry that saw massive global hits in recent years is clearly going through a lull.
(Box-office figures are based on estimates and subject to change)
