In a remarkable turn of events that has captivated the Indian film industry, James Cameron's cinematic behemoth, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has secured a narrow but significant victory at the domestic box office. Defying pre-release skepticism and intense competition from major local releases, the sci-fi sequel has officially surpassed the lifetime collection of Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par to become the 12th highest-grossing film of 2025 in India.
A Nail-Biting Race to the Top
The journey for Avatar: Fire and Ash in the Indian market was anything but straightforward. The film opened to a respectable Rs 19 crore net collection on its first day, drawing audiences across its English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions. Its true strength was revealed over the opening weekend, with numbers climbing steadily to Rs 25.75 crore on Sunday, propelling the three-day total comfortably past the Rs 65 crore mark.
Driven by massive demand for premium formats like IMAX and strong turnout from family audiences eager for Cameron's visual spectacle, the movie amassed a solid Rs 109.5 crore by the end of its first week. However, following a familiar pattern for Hollywood releases in India, the weekdays saw sharp declines, with collections dropping to single digits by the fourth day.
Stability in the Face of Competition
What set Fire and Ash apart from many other Hollywood imports was its unexpected resilience. Instead of a steep collapse, the film held its ground remarkably well. It demonstrated mid-week bumps and enjoyed a healthy resurgence during its second weekend. This stability allowed it to add another Rs 50.7 crore in its second week, pushing its total close to the crucial Rs 160 crore threshold.
This is where the box office duel with Aamir Khan's critically acclaimed drama, Sitaare Zameen Par, became intensely close. Khan's film, which benefited from strong word-of-mouth and a longer theatrical run, had concluded its journey at Rs 167.46 crore. With new Bollywood releases like Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri and Ikkis entering the fray, it seemed Avatar might fall just short.
A Decisive Global and Local Victory
James Cameron's film, however, found a late second wind, mirroring its global performance where it recently crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide despite mixed critical reviews. In India, the 16th day proved decisive. With early estimates of approximately Rs 4.50 crore, the film's total nudged to Rs 168.10 crore, officially overtaking Sitaare Zameen Par by a margin of less than Rs 1 crore.
This symbolic victory underscores James Cameron's enduring appeal among Indian moviegoers and highlights the evolving appetite for big-budget visual spectacles, even in a market dominated by local stars and narratives. The film's success across multiple language dubs also points to its pan-India reach, making its box office story one of the most fascinating of the year.
