Kunal Kemmu’s ‘Vibe’ Outpaces Kareena Kapoor’s ‘Daayra’ on Opening Day

When two Bollywood releases share the same Friday – September 18, 2026 – you can bet the box‑office will feel the heat. Kunal Kemmu’s freshly‑baked action‑thriller‑comedy Vibe and the gritty drama Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran, opened side‑by‑side, each hoping to capture the audience’s attention.

Early numbers, compiled by Sacnilk, suggest that Vibe got the better of the first‑day tussle. The film clocked in at roughly ₹1.50 crore (about 15 million rupees), a respectable figure for a mid‑budget entertainer, especially when you consider it was up against a slew of other releases like Mirzapur The Movie and Hanuman Ansh.

By contrast, Daayra seemed to stumble out of the gates. Despite earning decent praise from critics – many applauding its realistic take on the 2019 Hyderabad case – the movie managed only about ₹90 lakh on its opening day. That’s barely a fraction of Vibe’s haul, and it leaves the film fighting an uphill battle to recover its budget.

What’s behind the gap? Some insiders point to the star power balance. While Kareena Kapoor is undeniably a marquee name, the combo of Kunal Kemmu’s directorial comeback and the nostalgic presence of Preity Zinta may have resonated more with weekend‑goers seeking light‑hearted thrills. The genre mix – a cocktail of action, suspense and comedy – also gave Vibe a broader appeal.

It’s worth noting that both movies are still very early in their runs. Box‑office trajectories can change dramatically after the first weekend, especially if word‑of‑mouth picks up. For now, though, the data paints a clear picture: Vibe has taken the early lead, out‑earning Daayra by more than a factor of ten.

‘Daayra’ is directed by Meghna Gulzar and attempts to dramatize the high‑profile Hyderabad incident, featuring a supporting cast that includes Kanwaljit Singh, Achint Kaur, and Biswapati Sarkar. Meanwhile, Vibe marks Kunal Kemmu’s return to the director’s chair after Madgaon Express, and introduces newcomer Vanshika Dhir alongside veterans like Sparsh Shrivastav.

Whether the gap narrows or widens, the rivalry adds a dash of excitement for cinema‑fans across India. Keep an eye on the weekend reports – the story is still being written.