When its first weekend collections read barely R5.6 crore, exhibitors had almost written off Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga. But the romantic period drama — starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina — rose in the following days, earning about R12 crore over its second weekend. Result? Not only is the movie enjoying a steady run in theatres, but has also presumably given a leg up to another Partition drama — Batwara 1947, produced by Aamir Khan.  
 
Trade analysts are now hopeful that the Shabana Azmi, Sunny Deol, and Preity Zinta-starrer may have a strong start at the box office upon its August release. Bathinda-based exhibitor Gurpreet Singh told mid-day, “The success of Main Vaapas Aaunga has changed the conversation. Earlier, many believed audiences would reject Partition dramas; there was a misconception that such films don’t work. Now there is evidence that if the storytelling lands, viewers are willing to embrace these narratives.”

The positive response to Batwara 1947’s teaser and the audience interest in Main Vaapas Aaunga has made trade circles more optimistic of the former’s run. It has another advantage in leading man Deol, who is enjoying a golden run. Trade analyst Girish Wankhede said, “We had almost started believing that content-driven cinema belonged on OTT and theatrical audiences only wanted spectacle. Main Vaapas Aaunga has challenged that perception. That bodes well for a historical drama like Batwara 1947.”