The Sandalwood box office witnessed a massive showdown this Christmas as the high-octane thriller 45 hit theaters across India. On its opening day, the film garnered approximately ₹4.20 crore net at the Indian box office, with a gross worldwide collection touching the ₹4.90 crore mark. While the figures indicate a strong start, the film faced stiff competition from Kiccha Sudeep’s Mark, which led the day’s collections in several key regions.
Released on December 25, 2025, 45 saw its strongest performance in the Kannada-speaking belt. The film recorded an overall occupancy of 69.21% for its Kannada version. The day began with a moderate 44.56% occupancy during morning shows but saw a significant surge as the holiday crowd poured in, peaking at 78.91% by the evening. Regional data highlights a massive turnout in Mysuru, where the film saw a staggering 91% occupancy, while Bengaluru and Raichur followed with respectable figures of 72% and 79%, respectively.
The film's performance remained uneven across other territories. While major cities supported the star-heavy cast, coastal regions like Mangaluru reported lower-than-expected footfalls. Industry experts suggest that the "philosophical action" genre of the film, which blends high-scale VFX with deep spiritual themes inspired by the Garuda Purana, has drawn a mixed but intrigued audience. Many viewers praised the technical polish and the chemistry between the three leads, though some found the complex narrative to be a "fan-service heavy" experience.
As the first weekend progresses, trade analysts are watching closely to see if 45 can capitalize on the long holiday weekend. With the star power of "Shivanna" and Upendra driving the momentum, the film is expected to see a steady hold. However, its ultimate success will depend on how it navigates the ongoing competition and whether the positive word-of-mouth regarding its unique climax can translate into sustained ticket sales.
