Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps burst into theaters with high expectations, but its Indian box office journey hit a rough patch on Day 4. After a promising weekend, the Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby-led superhero reboot collected a mere Rs 1.66 crore on Monday, signaling a steep decline. Let’s dive into the numbers, the challenges, and what lies ahead for this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) spectacle!
A Stellar Start Fades Fast in India
Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduced Marvel’s iconic superhero family—Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—to the MCU with a retro-futuristic 1960s vibe. The film opened in India on July 25, 2025, amidst tough competition from Bollywood’s romantic hit Saiyaara and the animated epic Mahavatar Narsimha. Despite a decent weekend haul of Rs 19.6 crore, Monday’s sharp drop to Rs 1.66 crore has raised eyebrows. According to early estimates from Sacnilk, the film’s total India net collection now stands at Rs 21.79 crore after four days.
Why the crash? The Indian box office is a battleground, and The Fantastic Four is struggling to keep pace. Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has been a juggernaut, crossing Rs 250 crore and dominating screen counts. Meanwhile, Mahavatar Narsimha posted a strong Rs 20 crore opening weekend, further splitting the audience. Add to that a growing sense of superhero fatigue in India, and Marvel’s latest offering is facing an uphill climb.
Global Box Office: A Different Story
While India’s numbers tell a tale of struggle, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is soaring internationally. The film raked in $118 million from 4,125 North American theaters and $100 million from 52 international markets, totaling a whopping $218 million globally over its opening weekend. This makes it the fourth-biggest global opening of 2025, trailing only A Minecraft Movie, Lilo & Stitch, and Superman. Its $24.4 million from Thursday previews in the U.S. alone outdid DC’s Superman ($22.5 million), setting a record for the year’s highest preview gross.
The film’s global success is a testament to its star power and critical acclaim, with an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 174 reviews. Critics have praised its “rock-solid cast chemistry” and “appealingly retro 1960s design,” calling it a fresh take on Marvel’s First Family. But in India, the lack of a major MCU star with local pull, like Robert Downey Jr. or Chris Hemsworth, may be hurting its appeal.
What’s Hurting The Fantastic Four in India?
Several factors are stacking up against The Fantastic Four: First Steps in the Indian market:
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Fierce Competition: Saiyaara’s romantic allure and Mahavatar Narsimha’s mythological draw are pulling audiences away, especially in smaller cities.
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Superhero Fatigue: Indian audiences, bombarded with superhero films, may be prioritizing local content over Hollywood blockbusters.
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Screen Sharing Issues: With Saiyaara hogging screens, The Fantastic Four is struggling for showtimes, especially in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions.
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Monday Blues: The sharp weekday drop is typical for Hollywood films in India, but Rs 1.66 crore is lower than expected for a Marvel release.
Can It Bounce Back?
The road ahead looks challenging. Analysts predict the film may wrap up with a lifetime India collection of Rs 35–40 crore at best, far below its global potential of $600–700 million. Upcoming Bollywood releases like Dhadak 2 and Son of Sardaar 2 could further squeeze its screen count. However, positive word-of-mouth and the film’s unique 1960s aesthetic might help it regain some ground, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, where evening shows saw 66–68% occupancy over the weekend.
The film’s post-credit scene, featuring a glimpse of Doctor Doom, has also sparked buzz, though a leak on social media may have dampened its impact. Fans are excited about the setup for Avengers: Doomsday, which could drive some repeat viewings.
What’s Next for Marvel’s First Family?
Despite its Indian struggles, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a critical win for Marvel, proving the studio can still deliver after a string of underperformers. With a $200 million budget, the film is on track to be profitable globally. For Indian fans, catching it in IMAX 3D is recommended to experience the cosmic battle against Galactus and the Silver Surfer in all its glory.
Will the Fantastic Four rise again in India, or will local giants like Saiyaara continue to dominate? Only time—and weekday collections—will tell!
Disclaimer: The box office figures mentioned are based on early estimates and may vary. Always verify financial data from official sources before making investment decisions. Box office performance can be unpredictable and influenced by multiple factors.