This "Super Hit" verdict, combined with its near-universal critical acclaim, cemented the film's legacy and proved that content-driven cinema could be a massive box office draw.

For context, contemporaries like Om Shanti Om (released the same year) were made for nearly double that amount. So, where did the money go? And where did they save?

Despite these unconventional choices, the film's lean financial structure allowed it to maximize profitability: ₹12 crore . Domestic Net Collection: Approximately ₹62.50 crore . Worldwide Gross Collection: ₹98.48 crore .

If you search for online, you will find fans lamenting the lack of real-world gritty films today. Ironically, the conversation isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about intentional minimalism. A low budget forces directors to focus on performance, writing, and sound design.