Chris Miller’s latest Smurfs film, featuring the voices of global stars like Rihanna, James Corden, and John Goodman, has had a disappointing start at the Indian box office. The animated film collected only ₹40 lakh net on its opening day, with early reviews and word of mouth leaning toward the negative. Given this sluggish start and lukewarm buzz, long-term prospects for the movie appear bleak.
The Smurfs franchise once enjoyed massive popularity. The first film, The Smurfs (2011), was a box office juggernaut, grossing approximately USD 570 million globally. Its sequel, The Smurfs 2 (2013), also proved successful, pulling in just under USD 400 million. However, the franchise hit a downward trend with Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017), which although profitable, grossed only about half of its predecessor. This downturn was a clear signal that the franchise was losing its charm and needed a fresh creative direction.
#Smurfette #rihanna pic.twitter.com/PfkgCq2TCt
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Unfortunately, the latest installment hasn’t reversed the trend. The film’s promotions in India were surprisingly low-key, hinting that the makers themselves may have lacked confidence in the product. With other animated titles like Pixar’s Elio recently flopping despite strong reviews, Paramount may have chosen to play it safe with marketing.
Also Read: Smurfs Movie Review | Fun Meets Life Lessons
Weekend Growth Unlikely to Save the Film
Although a minor increase in footfall is expected on Saturday, as is typical for most films, it may not be enough to make a significant impact. Industry analysts predict that Smurfs may struggle to cross even ₹3 crore net in India during its full theatrical run.
Paramount will likely monitor this release closely. If the brand is to survive, it may require a serious rebranding strategy or a bold crossover with other animated properties to regain momentum.
