The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Movie Review and Box Office Collection in India
Marvel Studios returned with a fresh take on one of its oldest superhero teams with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released in India on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman, this highly anticipated reboot introduces the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with a bold 1960s retro-futuristic setting on Earth-828.
Featuring a high-profile cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), the film pits Marvel’s First Family against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
Movie Review: Strong Debut with Retro Charm
Critical Response
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its distinctive retro aesthetic, compelling storytelling, and well-cast ensemble. Holding an impressive 86–89% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been labeled a much-needed success for Marvel Studios, following less impactful releases like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts.
Critics from major publications like The Times of India applauded Pedro Pascal’s layered portrayal of Reed Richards, blending leadership with emotional vulnerability. Vanessa Kirby also received accolades for playing a powerful yet grounded Sue Storm, balancing superhero duties with maternal instincts.
Box Office Collection in India: A Disappointing Turn
While the movie is faring well globally, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has underperformed at the Indian box office, despite its global buzz and strong reviews.
Day-Wise India Net Box Office (All Languages)
- Day 1 (July 25): ₹5–5.5 crore (low start for an MCU tentpole)
- Day 2 (July 26): ₹7.2–7.35 crore (40% growth)
- Day 3 (July 27): ₹7.25 crore
Opening weekend total: ₹20.1–20.25 crore - Day 4 (July 28): ₹1.75–3.32 crore (80% Monday drop)
- Day 7 (July 31): ₹25 crore (one-week total)
- Day 9 (August 2): ₹30.09 crore
- English version: ₹22.06 crore
- Hindi: ₹1.21 crore
- Tamil + Telugu: ₹0.45 crore combined
Projected Lifetime India Gross: Under ₹35 crore
Despite a late boost from IMAX 3D shows and positive word-of-mouth, the film is expected to finish under ₹35 crore in India—a flop by MCU standards.
Why the Film Struggled in India
Several factors contributed to the film’s poor Indian box office performance:
1. Superhero Fatigue
Audiences are showing signs of burnout after a long run of MCU content, particularly post-Endgame. While core fans remain engaged, casual viewers are shifting interest toward other genres.
2. Strong Bollywood Competition
Releases like Saiyaara (₹247 crore in 10 days) dominated multiplexes and single screens, cutting into the Marvel film’s screen count and audience share.
3. Lack of Familiar MCU Stars
Unlike films featuring Iron Man, Spider-Man, or Deadpool, Fantastic Four: First Steps introduced new faces without established fanbases in India, which affected its pull.
4. Limited Regional Penetration
Minimal traction in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions (₹1.21 crore and ₹0.45 crore respectively) suggests the film didn’t resonate beyond metro audiences.
Global Box Office Performance
Contrary to its India results, the film is a major hit worldwide:
- Opening Weekend Global: $218 million
- Domestic (USA): $118 million
- International (52 territories): $100 million
- Day 9 Global Total: $270 million (₹2252.45 crore)
- Surpassed the entire box office of 2015’s Fantastic Four ($56M) in one day
- Outperformed Deadpool & Wolverine’s $211 million opening
- Ranked as the 4th biggest opener of 2025, behind Superman, Lilo & Stitch, and A Minecraft Movie
However, analysts note a frontloaded trend, with an 80% drop from first to second Friday, indicating a steep decline in momentum.
Achievements
- Strong critical acclaim and fan response
- Innovative 1960s-inspired design and storytelling
- Solid global debut ($270 million in 9 days)
- Successful MCU integration for the Fantastic Four
Challenges
- Weak performance in India (under ₹35 crore projected)
- Lack of brand recognition for new characters among Indian audiences
- Heavy Bollywood and Hollywood competition
Final Verdict
The Fantastic Four: First Steps may not have broken records in India, but globally, it’s a critical and commercial win for Marvel. With its visually rich setting, emotionally grounded characters, and narrative ties to future MCU events, the film sets a solid foundation for Marvel’s next phase—even if India wasn’t fully on board this time.
Also Read: Mahavatar Narsimha (2025) Movie Review
