Obsession Surges Past Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Sets New Box Office Benchmark

Obsession, the English-language horror thriller, has stunned the industry by outperforming the Bollywood entertainer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (HJTIHH) at the Indian box office. Despite lacking a high-profile cast or lavish promotions, Obsession has become the second highest grossing Hollywood horror film in India, closing in on the record set by The Conjuring Last Rites.

While HJTIHH, featuring popular names like Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur, launched with heavy marketing and high expectations, it managed around 46,000 ticket bookings in its latest 24-hour window. In contrast, Obsession, now in its third week, drew an impressive 86,000 bookings in the same span—almost double. Trade analysts highlight Obsession’s extraordinary momentum, noting its ₹70 crore gross in India, which is over 300 times its modest ₹7.15 crore production budget.

The film’s continued dominance has prompted increased screenings, especially in multiplexes and urban markets. Social media buzz and word of mouth have played a key role, with many viewers praising the film’s gripping narrative. As one analyst observed, audiences today "seem far more interested in engaging content than in star names or familiar box office formulas."

With Obsession poised to overtake The Conjuring Last Rites in the coming weeks, all eyes are on whether this surprise hit will claim the top spot among Hollywood horror releases in India.