The Hindi film industry witnessed the release of Anek, a gripping socio-political action thriller, in 2022. Directed by the acclaimed Anubhav Sinha, Anek promised to deliver a thought-provoking narrative set against the backdrop of Northeast India. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead, the film aimed to spark conversations about unity and identity. Despite high expectations, its box office journey was a rollercoaster. In this article, we dive into Anek’s day-wise box office collections, worldwide gross, OTT release details, cast net worth, and the final verdict for Indian readers eager to know how this film fared.
🎬 Film Overview
Anek (translated as “Many”) is a Hindi-language action thriller released on May 27, 2022. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, known for hard-hitting films like Article 15 and Thappad, the movie explores the complexities of Northeast India’s geopolitical landscape. Ayushmann Khurrana plays Joshua, an undercover cop tasked with brokering peace between the Indian government and separatist groups. The film also marks the Bollywood debut of Nagaland-based model Andrea Kevichüsa, alongside a talented ensemble including J.D. Chakravarthy, Manoj Pahwa, and Kumud Mishra.
The pre-release buzz was moderate, fueled by Ayushmann’s reputation for choosing unconventional scripts and Sinha’s track record. However, advance bookings were lukewarm, with urban centers showing more interest than mass circuits. Public excitement was tempered by competition from Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which dominated theaters at the time. Despite this, Anek aimed to carve a niche with its bold narrative.
📋 Movie Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Anek |
| Release Date | May 27, 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Director | Anubhav Sinha |
| Producer | Anubhav Sinha, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar |
| Lead Cast | Ayushmann Khurrana, Andrea Kevichüsa, J.D. Chakravarthy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra |
| Budget | ₹40–45 Crore |
| Genre | Action, Thriller, Socio-Political |
🧑🎤 Lead Actor Net Worth (2025)
Ayushmann Khurrana, Bollywood’s poster boy for content-driven cinema, has solidified his position as a bankable star. Known for films like Badhaai Ho, Dream Girl, and Article 15, Ayushmann balances critical acclaim with commercial success. In 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately ₹500 Crore, driven by acting fees (₹10–15 Crore per film), brand endorsements with top companies like Titan and Visa, and investments in startups. His ability to choose diverse roles, from a sperm donor in Vicky Donor to a cop in Anek, has made him a favorite among audiences and brands alike.
📊 Box Office Collection: India (Day-Wise)
Anek’s box office performance in India was underwhelming, reflecting challenges in connecting with the masses. Below is the day-wise nett collection in India, based on trade reports:
| Day | Collection (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹1.77 |
| Day 2 | ₹2.30 |
| Day 3 | ₹2.00 |
| Day 4 | ₹0.79 |
| Day 5 | ₹0.75 |
| Day 6 | ₹0.70 |
| Day 7 | ₹0.60 |
| Week 1 Total | ₹8.91 |
- Day 1: Anek opened to a disappointing ₹1.77 Crore, one of Ayushmann’s lowest openers, with 6–8% occupancy in morning shows. Urban multiplexes drove collections, while single screens saw minimal footfall.
- Day 2: A slight jump to ₹2.30 Crore was observed due to positive word-of-mouth in metro cities, with 14.55% occupancy.
- Day 3: Collections dropped to ₹2.00 Crore despite Sunday, indicating limited family audience appeal.
- Day 4: A sharp decline to ₹0.79 Crore on Monday signaled weak hold, typical for films lacking mass connect.
- Days 5–7: The film stabilized at sub-₹1 Crore daily earnings, ending Week 1 at ₹8.91 Crore nett.
The weekend saw a modest spike, but the lack of growth and steep weekday drops highlighted Anek’s struggle against mainstream competitors and its niche appeal.
🌍 Overseas & Worldwide Collection
Anek’s international performance was modest, with limited appeal in markets like the USA, Canada, and the Gulf. Below are the gross figures:
| Region | Earnings (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| India Nett | ₹8.15 |
| Overseas | ₹1.19 |
| India Gross | ₹9.70 |
| Worldwide Total | ₹10.89 |
- India Nett: ₹8.15 Crore, reflecting poor theatrical run across 1200+ screens.
- Overseas: ₹1.19 Crore (approx. $0.154 million), primarily from urban diaspora audiences.
- India Gross: ₹9.70 Crore, including taxes.
- Worldwide Total: ₹10.89 Crore, far below the ₹50 Crore needed for a theatrical hit.
The film’s socio-political theme resonated slightly in overseas markets but failed to translate into significant numbers.
📺 OTT Release Info
Anek found a second life on OTT, where niche films often thrive. The movie was acquired by Netflix for digital streaming, with estimated digital rights valued at ₹20–25 Crore, ensuring partial recovery for producers. The OTT release occurred approximately one month after its theatrical run, around June 2022, aligning with standard post-theatrical windows for mid-budget films.
Netflix’s platform allowed Anek to reach a broader audience, particularly those interested in socio-political dramas. Viewer feedback on OTT was more positive, appreciating the film’s bold narrative and performances.
📈 Records & Milestones
Anek failed to set significant box office records due to its poor performance. Key points:
- No major milestones: The film did not enter the ₹100 Crore or ₹200 Crore club, nor was it among the highest openers of 2022.
- Lowest opener for Ayushmann: Day 1’s ₹1.77 Crore marked one of Ayushmann’s weakest openings, lower than Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (₹3.75 Crore).
- Comparison: Compared to Anubhav Sinha’s Article 15 (₹65.45 Crore lifetime), Anek underperformed drastically. It also lagged behind contemporaries like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which collected 5–6 times more in similar circuits.
🎭 Audience & Critical Reception
Anek received mixed reviews, with critics praising its intent but critiquing its execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 67% approval rating based on six reviews, averaging 5.8/10.
- Critics: The Times of India (4/5) lauded its parallels between Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, while The Guardian (4/5) called it a rare spotlight on Northeastern stories. However, The Indian Express (2.5/5) and Firstpost (2/5) criticized its disjointed screenplay and preachy tone.
- Audience: Urban viewers appreciated the film’s themes of unity and Ayushmann’s performance, but mass audiences found it slow and complex. The lack of mainstream elements like songs or romance limited its appeal.
💬 Social Media Buzz
On social media, Anek generated moderate buzz, primarily among urban and intellectual audiences. Trending hashtags included #Anek, #AyushmannKhurrana, and #NortheastIndia.
- X Sentiment: Posts on X reflected polarized views. Fans praised the film’s bold take, with comments like, “Anek is a must-watch for its raw portrayal of Northeast issues!” Others criticized its pacing, with one user tweeting, “Good intent, but #Anek feels like a lecture, not a movie.”
- Viral Content: Clips of Andrea Kevichüsa’s boxing scenes and Ayushmann’s intense dialogues went viral on Instagram Reels. Memes comparing Anek’s collections to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 also surfaced, reflecting the competitive box office scenario.
Overall, social media sentiment was mixed, with appreciation for the cast but disappointment over commercial failure.
📝 Box Office Verdict
| Budget | ₹40–45 Cr |
|---|---|
| Collection | ₹10.89 Cr |
| Verdict | Flop |
| Recovery Time | N/A |
Despite a controlled budget of ₹40–45 Crore, Anek’s worldwide gross of ₹10.89 Crore resulted in a Flop verdict. The film needed ₹50 Crore to break even theatrically, a target it fell short of due to limited mass appeal and competition. However, Netflix’s digital deal mitigated losses for producers.
📈 Predictions & Future Expectations
Anek’s theatrical run was a commercial disappointment, but its OTT success suggests potential for cult status among niche audiences. Anubhav Sinha and Ayushmann may rebound with future projects, leveraging their reputation for bold storytelling. The film’s focus on Northeast India could inspire more Bollywood ventures into underrepresented regions, though with better commercial packaging.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total box office collection of Anek?
A: As of now, the total worldwide gross is ₹10.89 Crore.
Q2: Is Anek a hit or flop?
A: Based on budget and earnings, it is declared a Flop.
Q3: What is the net worth of Ayushmann Khurrana in 2025?
A: Approximately ₹500 Crore.
Q4: When will Anek release on OTT?
A: It streamed on Netflix in June 2022.
Q5: How much did Anek earn on Day 1?
A: ₹1.77 Crore in India on its opening day.
🔚 Conclusion
Anek aimed to blend socio-political commentary with action but struggled to find its audience at the box office, grossing just ₹10.89 Crore worldwide against a ₹40–45 Crore budget. While Ayushmann Khurrana and Anubhav Sinha’s intent was commendable, the film’s complex narrative and lack of mass appeal led to a Flop verdict. Its OTT run on Netflix, however, offered redemption, resonating with viewers seeking meaningful content. As a fan, I believe Anek’s heart was in the right place, but its commercial misstep is a reminder of Bollywood’s balancing act between art and entertainment. Stay tuned for updates on its digital performance or a potential sequel exploring similar themes! For more latest box office news visit the hdhub4umovie.
