John Abraham, known for his power-packed performances, action stunts, and intense screen presence, continues to be one of Bollywood’s most intriguing actors. With his latest release, The Diplomat, hitting theaters on March 14, 2025, audiences and critics alike are curious to see how it fares at the box office. Before diving into the fate of The Diplomat, let’s take a detailed look at John Abraham’s last five films, analyzing their box office performance and audience reception.
1. Veda (2024): A Struggle Amidst Tough Competition
John Abraham’s action-thriller Veda was released on August 15, 2024. The film showcased his signature action-packed sequences, but despite his efforts, Veda struggled at the box office due to stiff competition from films like ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Khel Khel Mein’.
- Opening Day Collection: ₹6.75 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹20.25 crore
- Verdict: Flop
Despite an engaging storyline and high-octane action, Veda failed to attract a substantial audience. The film’s underperformance was attributed to poor word-of-mouth and strong competition in the same release window.
2. Pathaan (2023): John’s Career-Defining Blockbuster
Pathaan proved to be the biggest hit of John Abraham’s career, showcasing him in a negative role alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. Released in 2023, this YRF spy thriller became a box office phenomenon, receiving massive love from both critics and audiences.
- Opening Day Collection: ₹57 crore
- Total Box Office Collection in India: ₹543.05 crore
- Verdict: All-Time Blockbuster
John’s portrayal of Jim, the ruthless antagonist, was highly appreciated, marking one of his most memorable performances. His gripping screen presence and high-octane action sequences made him one of Bollywood’s most celebrated villains in recent times.
3. Ek Villain Returns (2022): A Mediocre Performer
In 2022, John Abraham starred in ‘Ek Villain Returns’, alongside Arjun Kapoor, Disha Patani, and Tara Sutaria. As a spiritual successor to Ek Villain (2014), the film aimed to continue the dark and twisted narrative of its predecessor.
- Opening Week Collection: ₹32.92 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹41.69 crore
- Verdict: Average
While the film managed a decent opening, the story and execution failed to impress the audience, leading to a sharp decline in collections after the first week. Despite John’s dedicated performance, the film was unable to recreate the magic of its predecessor.
4. Attack: Part 1 (2022): High Expectations, Low Returns
John Abraham’s sci-fi action thriller, Attack: Part 1, was one of Bollywood’s first attempts at a super-soldier narrative. Co-starring Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh, the film aimed to offer a fresh perspective on the futuristic action genre.
- Opening Day Collection: ₹3.51 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹16.13 crore
- Verdict: Flop
Despite innovative action sequences and a unique concept, Attack: Part 1 failed to create an impact at the box office. The film suffered from low audience turnout, mixed reviews, and lackluster marketing.
5. Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021): A Failed Attempt at Mass Entertainment
After the massive success of Satyameva Jayate (2018), expectations were high for its sequel, Satyameva Jayate 2. Released in 2021, the film featured John Abraham in a triple role, tackling themes of corruption and justice.
- Opening Day Collection: ₹3.60 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹13.26 crore
- Verdict: Flop
Despite John’s larger-than-life portrayal, over-the-top action and outdated storytelling failed to connect with audiences. The film was heavily criticized for its predictable screenplay and exaggerated dialogues, resulting in a box office disaster.
Conclusion: Analyzing John Abraham’s Recent Film Trajectory
John Abraham’s last five films have seen mixed box office results, with Pathaan standing out as an unprecedented success, while others struggled due to tough competition, weak scripts, or poor audience reception. His choices reflect an inclination towards high-action, patriotic, and thriller genres, yet not all of them have struck the right chord with viewers.
With The Diplomat now in theaters, all eyes are on John Abraham to see if he can recreate the magic of Pathaan or if he will need to rethink his film choices. Regardless of box office numbers, John’s dedication to action-packed cinema and strong on-screen presence continue to make him a compelling figure in Bollywood.
Stay tuned for updates on The Diplomat and John Abraham’s upcoming projects!
