The iconic trio—Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh, and Aftab Shivdasani—has returned to the big screen after nearly a decade, bringing back their beloved characters Amar, Prem, and Meet in Mastiii 4, the latest instalment of the long-running adult-comedy series. Released amid moderate pre-release buzz, the film surprised many with a strong opening day collection of ₹2.75 crore, securing the second-highest Day 1 total in the entire Masti franchise.
For a series that has existed for over two decades, Mastiii 4 marks a significant moment—one that blends nostalgia, comedy, and the return of a tried-and-tested trio known for their effortless chemistry and impeccable comic timing.
A Franchise That Redefined Adult Comedy in Bollywood
The Masti franchise has always occupied a unique space in Hindi cinema. The original Masti (2004) was a trendsetter, becoming one of the earliest mainstream Bollywood films to blend adult humour with situational comedy and friendship-driven storytelling. Over the years, the franchise has expanded, sometimes controversially, but always with a loyal audience base.
Here’s a look at the opening day box-office performance across all four films:
| Film | Opening Day Collection |
|---|---|
| Masti (2004) | ₹1.80 crore |
| Grand Masti (2013) | ₹12.50 crore |
| Great Grand Masti (2016) | ₹2.65 crore |
| Mastiii 4 (2025) | ₹2.75 crore |
While Grand Masti remains the most successful opener with a massive ₹12.50 crore start—becoming the first A-rated Bollywood film to cross ₹100 crore—the latest instalment comfortably beats the opening numbers of Masti and Great Grand Masti. The slight edge over Great Grand Masti (₹10 lakh difference) may seem modest, but it signals a noteworthy achievement considering the franchise lost momentum after the leak-plagued performance of the third film.
Why Mastiii 4 Managed a Strong Start
1. A Decade-Long Wait and Vintage Chemistry
Fans have waited nearly ten years to see Oberoi, Deshmukh, and Shivdasani reunite. Their camaraderie and comic rhythm are central to the franchise’s appeal, and early audience reactions suggest that this familiar magic remains intact.
2. Nostalgia-Fuelled Marketing
Marketing for Mastiii 4 leaned heavily into nostalgia, highlighting the return of Amar, Prem, and Meet—characters who many associate with early-2000s comedy cinema. This strategy successfully pulled in both older fans and younger viewers new to the franchise.
3. A Genre With Reliable Audiences
Despite controversies, adult comedies have a stable fan base in India. Movies in this genre rarely rely on reviews; their real strength lies in the entertainment value they promise.
4. Limited Competition—But a Strong Clash
Mastiii 4 did face competition from Farhan Akhtar’s war drama 120 Bahadur, which collected ₹2.35 crore on opening day. Despite the clash, the comedy film managed to dominate in metros thanks to its lighter genre and long-standing brand value.
The Journey of the Masti Franchise: Highs and Lows
Masti (2004): The Pioneer
The first film was a breath of fresh air for Bollywood. It introduced adult humour wrapped in a friendship-driven narrative and became a sleeper hit—laying the foundation for sequels.
Grand Masti (2013): The Mega Blockbuster
A decade after the first film, Grand Masti pushed boundaries and became the first adult comedy in India to enter the ₹100 crore club. However, its bold content triggered debates about censorship.
Great Grand Masti (2016): A Major Setback
Released under unfortunate circumstances, the film was leaked online weeks before its theatrical debut. Consequently, it suffered at the box office despite the franchise’s popularity.
Mastiii 4 (2025): A Much-Needed Rebound
After nearly a decade and a major setback, the franchise’s fourth film has finally brought stability back to the series.
Audience Reception and Early Reviews
Early responses indicate that audiences have embraced the film’s humour style—light-hearted, energetic, and reminiscent of earlier parts but toned down in comparison to Grand Masti. The camaraderie between the three leads remains the film’s strongest pillar.
Social media reactions highlight:
- Better humour than expected
- Strong nostalgia factor
- A predictable but entertaining storyline
- Good supporting performances
- A crowd-friendly cinematic experience
Industry Perspective: A Significant Win for Comedy Films
The adult-comedy genre has rarely been easy territory, facing scrutiny over censor guidelines, evolving audience taste, and the influence of digital content. In such a landscape, the strong opening of Mastiii 4 signals:
• The franchise remains relevant
Twenty years since its debut, Masti continues to attract viewers.
• Comedy done right still works
Despite competition, the film has managed to draw crowds simply on the promise of laughter.
• Star chemistry matters
The trio’s return has contributed significantly to box-office curiosity.
The Road Ahead: Can Mastiii 4 Sustain Its Momentum?
The coming days will determine whether Mastiii 4 can convert its solid opening into a successful theatrical run. Several factors will influence its performance:
- Word-of-mouth buzz
- Weekday audience retention
- Impact of competing films like 120 Bahadur
- Family audiences opting for lighter entertainment
If the film holds steady over the first week, it could emerge as a sleeper hit for 2025.
