Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos box office collection day 1: Vir Das' directorial debut starts modest; word-of-mouth to drive Saturday jump
Happy Patel opened at ₹1.25 crore. Vir Das’ satirical spy comedy, featuring Aamir and Imran Khan cameos, eyes a ₹5 crore weekend total driven by strong urban night shows and positive word-of-mouth.
Last Updated: 08.52 AM, Jan 17, 2026
Aamir Khan Productions' spy comedy Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos made its official theatrical debut on January 16, 2026. Vir Das, who plays the titular role and marks his directorial debut, helmed the film with Kavi Shastri. The film's niche appeal and smart marketing helped it achieve a modest opening despite the congested cinematic landscape.
What were the opening day box office numbers of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
As per a report in Sacnilk, around ₹1.25 crore was made in India nett on the first day of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. The film's successful performance was largely due to the steady growth in audience interest throughout the day. The film's Friday showings had an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 9.57%, according to data tracked by the industry.
Daily occupancy rates are as follows: 6.44% for morning shows, 8.62% for afternoon shows, 8.25% for evening shows, and 14.97% for night shows.
Why did the night shows see a significant increase in audience for Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
The urban youth and office-goers who were likely drawn to the film's absurdist comedy and satirical spin on the espionage genre after work probably accounted for the significant increase in night show occupancy, which is approaching 15%.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is a fitting sequel, carrying on the satirical style of Delhi Belly (2011). The protagonist, Happy, played by Das, is an ambitious spy with Indian ancestry who was raised in London and is dispatched to Goa to save a scientist. He faces off against Mama, the fearsome local crime boss, played by Mona Singh, on this assignment.
Who are the key supporting cast members in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
The film features an ensemble cast including Mithila Palkar as Rupa, a dancer; Sharib Hashmi as Geet, a local Goan handler who provides the comic foil to Happy's bumbling; and Srushti Tawade as Roxy, a tech-savvy operative.
Imran Khan's comeback to the big screen after more than a decade is one of the most talked-about aspects of the film, as he makes a substantial cameo. Another tactic that helped boost the film's popularity during the pre-release was Aamir's appearance in a cameo.
Is the opening day collection of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos considered a success for its budget?
For a comedy with a moderate budget and a high premise, an opening of 1.25 crore is seen as a solid start for Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. The film's internet-literate meta-humour and "A" certification suggest it will perform well in A-tier cities and multiplexes.
According to trade analysts, the comedy is expected to have a combined weekend total of ₹4.5 to ₹5 crore, with Saturday and Sunday showing a 30–40% increase. The uptick in Friday night showings bodes well for the film's ability to stay in theatres for at least another day, thanks to favourable word-of- mouth.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos FAQs:
Q: How much did Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos collect on Day 1?
A: Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos earned approximately ₹1.25 crore India net on its opening day (Friday, January 16, 2026). While it saw a modest start in the morning, interest surged significantly during the night shows, which recorded an occupancy of nearly 15%.
Q: Is Imran Khan in the movie Happy Patel?
A: Yes, Imran Khan makes a highly anticipated return to the big screen with a significant cameo in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. This marks his first appearance in a feature film in over a decade, reuniting him with his Delhi Belly co-star Vir Das and producer Aamir Khan.
Q: Who is the director of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
A: Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is co-directed by Vir Das and Kavi Shastri. It serves as the directorial debut for Vir Das, who also wrote the story alongside Amogh Ranadive and plays the lead role of Happy Patel.