After a six year from leading a solo theatrical release, Emraan Hashmi is back in the spotlight with Ground Zero, an action-packed thriller slated to hit theaters on April 25, 2025. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Excel Entertainment, the film promises to deliver a gripping narrative inspired by real events. Following the 2001 Parliament attack, the story revolves around BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey (played by Emraan Hashmi), who embarks on a two-year investigation to unmask the mastermind, Ghazi Baba behind one of India’s most audacious terror strikes. This mission culminates in what is touted as the country’s biggest anti-terror operation, a tale of bravery, sacrifice and patriotism that has already sparked curiosity among fans and cinephiles alike.
For Emraan Hashmi, Ground Zero marks a significant moment in his career. His last solo theatrical outing was The Body in 2019, which failed to make a mark at the box office. Since then, he has been part of multi-starrer projects like Mumbai Saga (2021), Chehre (2021), Dybbuk (a solo venture that bypassed theaters for an OTT release), Selfiee (2023) and the Hit Movie Tiger 3 (2023), where he played the antagonist opposite Salman Khan. While these films showcased his versatility, they didn’t give him the solo spotlight his fans have been craving. Now, with Ground Zero, there’s palpable excitement and pressure for him to deliver a hit as a leading man after more than a decade. His last clean solo hit was Raaz 3 in 2012, a film that capitalized on his “serial kisser” image and the horror-thriller genre’s popularity at the time. Since then, a string of underwhelming releases has left his solo career in need of a revival.
The Stakes Are High for Emraan Hashmi
Emraan’s journey in Bollywood has been a rollercoaster. From his early days as the poster boy of mid-budget romantic and thriller films to his evolution into meatier roles, he has built a loyal fanbase. However, the past 13 years have been challenging with no solo theatrical hit to his name. Ground Zero could be the game-changer he desperately needs. Following this, Emraan has an exciting lineup, including multi-starrer Telugu projects like They Call Him OG with Pawan Kalyan and G2 with Adivi Sesh both of which have wrapped shooting and are eyeing releases later in 2025. Additionally, the much-anticipated Awarapan 2, a sequel to his 2007 cult classic is set to begin production soon with a release planned for April 3, 2026. But before these big-ticket ventures, Ground Zero stands as his immediate litmus test.
Budget Breakdown
Reports suggest that Ground Zero has been made on a modest budget of approximately ₹20-25 crore. This aligns with Excel Entertainment’s strategy of backing content-driven films that don’t rely heavily on extravagant production costs. The budget includes production expenses, actor fees and a focused marketing campaign that kicked off with a teaser attached to Salman Khan’s Sikandar on March 30, 2025, followed by a trailer launch on April 7, 2025. For a film of this scale an action thriller with a patriotic undertone this budget is reasonable, especially considering it doesn’t feature A-list stars beyond Emraan or massive VFX-heavy sequences. The key to its financial success will lie in keeping costs low while maximizing audience turnout.
Day 1 Box Office Prediction
The buzz surrounding Ground Zero is cautiously optimistic. Emraan Hashmi’s return as a solo lead after six years, coupled with the film’s real-life inspiration and patriotic fervor, gives it a decent shot at drawing crowds. However, the current climate of Bollywood suggests that mid-budget films need strong word-of-mouth to sustain beyond the opening weekend. Based on the teaser reception and early promotional material, the film is likely to open in the range of ₹2.5-3 crore net on its first day, April 25, 2025.
Several factors play into this estimation. First, Emraan’s star power, while still intact among his core audience, has waned compared to his peak in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Second, the film’s release date is a solo one, meaning it won’t face immediate competition, which could work in its favor. Third, the patriotic genre has been a consistent draw in recent years think Article 370 or Uri: The Surgical Strike and if Ground Zero delivers on its promise of intensity and emotion, it could tap into that sentiment. A lot will depend on the trailer’s impact and pre-release reviews, which could push the opening day closer to ₹3 crore if the buzz picks up significantly.
Lifetime Collection Prediction
Assuming a ₹2.5-3 crore opening, the lifetime box office trajectory of Ground Zero will hinge on its critical reception and audience word-of-mouth. For a film with a ₹20-25 crore budget, the “hit” mark typically sits at double the investment around ₹40-50 crore net. However, given Emraan’s recent track record and the modest pre-release hype, a more conservative estimate seems prudent.
If Ground Zero garners positive reviews and sustains interest over the first weekend, it could collect ₹10-12 crore net in its opening three days. A steady weekday hold say, ₹1-1.5 crore daily could push its first-week total to ₹18-20 crore. From there, a decent second week (₹8-10 crore) and a trickle of collections in subsequent weeks could see it close at ₹28-32 crore net lifetime. This would classify it as an “average” to “semi-hit” venture, recovering its budget and turning a small profit for the makers.
However, if the film exceeds expectations say, with stellar reviews and a strong emotional connect—it could aim higher, potentially crossing ₹40 crore net and earning a “hit” verdict. Conversely, a lukewarm response could see it fizzle out at ₹20-25 crore, barely breaking even. The ceiling for a film like this, without massive star power or a holiday release, is likely around ₹50 crore net, though that would require everything to align perfectly.
Will Ground Zero Break Emraan’s Flop Streak?
The million-dollar question is whether Ground Zero can end Emraan Hashmi’s 13-year drought of solo hits. His last theatrical triumph, Raaz 3 benefited from a popular franchise and his then-peak popularity. Today, the stakes are different. Bollywood has shifted toward big-budget spectacles and content-driven surprises, leaving mid-tier stars like Emraan in a tricky spot. Yet, Ground Zero has the ingredients for a sleeper hit: a compelling real-life story, a focused budget and a genre that resonates with Indian audiences.
The film’s success will also shape expectations for Emraan’s upcoming projects. A strong showing could boost anticipation for They Call Him OG, G2 and especially Awarapan 2, signaling a career resurgence. For now, all eyes are on April 25, 2025 to see if Ground Zero can deliver the much-needed victory Emraan Hashmi and his fans have been waiting for.
Final Thoughts
Ground Zero is more than just a movie it’s a pivotal chapter in Emraan Hashmi’s career. With a budget of ₹20-25 crore, a projected ₹2.5-3 crore opening day and a lifetime haul of ₹28-32 crore (with potential to hit ₹40 crore), it’s a calculated gamble that could pay off if the execution clicks. Whether it breaks his flop streak or keeps him in limbo until Awarapan 2, one thing is certain: Emraan’s fans are rooting for him to reclaim his spot in Bollywood’s winner’s circle. What’s your prediction for Ground Zero? Let the countdown to its release begin.