John Abraham’s latest film, The Diplomat, hit theaters on March 15, 2025, with expectations of delivering an engaging political thriller. Directed by Shivam Nair, the film has received positive word-of-mouth, but its box office journey has been slow yet steady. With an estimated budget of ₹55 crore, Film The Diplomat Box Office analysis shows it needs to build momentum to secure profitability. While the film had a modest opening, its weekday hold suggests resilience, making the second weekend crucial in determining its fate.
The Diplomat Box Office Analysis: A Slow but Promising Start
Despite strong content and a gripping narrative, The Diplomat had a muted start at the box office. Here’s how the first three days fared:
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 [Friday] | ₹ 4 Cr | – |
| Day 2 [Saturday] | ₹ 4.65 Cr | +16.25% |
| Day 3 [Sunday] | ₹ 4.65 Cr | 0.00% |
The film showed a 16.25% jump on Saturday, which is a positive sign of audience interest. However, a bigger spike was needed to compensate for the low opening day.
Weekday Performance: A Stable Hold
Unlike many films that witness sharp drops post-weekend, The Diplomat has managed a steady trajectory during the weekdays:
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 4 [Monday] | ₹ 1.5 Cr | -67.74% |
| Day 5 [Tuesday] | ₹ 1.45 Cr | -3.33% |
| Day 6 [Wednesday] | ₹ 1.5 Cr | +3.45% |
| Day 7 [Thursday] | ₹ 1.4 Cr | -6.67% |
While Monday saw the expected drop, the hold from Tuesday to Thursday suggests that positive word-of-mouth is sustaining audience interest. The film closed its first week at ₹19.15 Cr, a decent figure for a film that started slow. (Data: sacnilk)
Word-of-Mouth Effect: A Key Factor
Critics and audiences have praised John Abraham’s performance and the gripping screenplay.
- Firstpost called it a “very engaging espionage film” that brings a fresh perspective to the genre.
- IB Times noted that the film is “slowly picking up pace with good word-of-mouth”.
- Social media reactions have been largely positive, with many viewers appreciating its realistic storytelling.
With limited competition, the film has a strong chance to continue performing well in the coming days.
Second Weekend Crucial for the Film’s Fate
While The Diplomat has held its ground so far, its real test lies in the second weekend. The film needs significant growth in collections to sustain its box office run.
- If the film manages a solid jump on Saturday and Sunday, it can reach ₹30 crore+ by the end of Week 2.
- If the drop continues, it may struggle to cross ₹40 crore, which would put pressure on post-theatrical revenues.
- The breakeven mark is around ₹55-60 crore, meaning it still has a long way to go.
Can The Diplomat Become a Sleeper Hit?
Despite a slow opening, The Diplomat has shown signs of longevity due to its steady weekday performance and positive word-of-mouth. However, its second weekend performance will be the deciding factor. If the film can capitalize on growing audience interest, it could emerge as a sleeper hit. But if the collections drop further, its box office potential will remain limited.
For now, the film stands at ₹19.15 Cr after Week 1, with the next few days crucial in shaping its final verdict.