Bha Bha Ba Box Office Day 1: Dileep’s Comeback Film Opens to Rs 6.75 Crore Despite Mixed Reviews

Malayalam actor Dileep’s much-anticipated film Bha Bha Ba made a notable start at the box office, collecting Rs 6.75 crore nett on its opening day, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. The film hit theatres on December 18, arriving amid heightened attention and strong public curiosity, making it one of the most closely watched Malayalam releases of the season.

Marketed as Dileep’s biggest comeback film in recent years, Bha Bha Ba opened to encouraging numbers despite receiving polarising reviews from critics and audiences. Given the mixed word of mouth, trade analysts believe the film’s true test will be its ability to sustain momentum over the opening weekend.

The opening-day collection is being seen as a solid result, especially in light of the divided reception. Dileep’s loyal fan base appears to have driven strong initial footfalls, particularly in single screens and select multiplexes across Kerala. However, occupancy trends over the next two days will determine whether the film can convert curiosity into consistent earnings.

Directed by Dhananjay Shankar, Bha Bha Ba is positioned as an action comedy with a politically charged narrative. Written by Fahim Safar and Noorin Shereef, the film features Dileep in the role of a loud, eccentric man who kidnaps Kerala’s Chief Minister, CK Joseph, in a bid to seek justice for himself and those around him. The storyline blends satire, mass moments and emotional beats, aiming to appeal to a broad audience base.

One of the film’s major talking points is the extended cameo by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. His appearance has sparked excitement among fans, with many theatres witnessing loud cheers during his scenes. Mohanlal’s playful performance, dance sequences and expressive screen presence have added a strong nostalgia factor, which could help boost repeat viewership over the weekend.

The ensemble cast of Bha Bha Ba includes Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Balu Varghese, Baiju Santhosh, Sandy, Saranya Ponvannan, Sidharth Bharathan and Redin Kingsley, adding depth and variety to the narrative. Each actor brings a distinct flavour to the film, contributing to its comic and dramatic layers.

Backed by Sree Gokulam Movies, the film features music composed by Shaan Rahman and Gopi Sundar, while cinematography is handled by Armo and editing by Ranjan Abraham. The technical aspects have received a mixed response, with praise for background score in parts, while pacing has emerged as a point of debate.

With its strong Day 1 opening, Bha Bha Ba has laid a decent foundation. Whether it can translate this start into a successful theatrical run will depend largely on audience reception over the weekend and the strength of word of mouth going forward.