Director Kunal Kemmu stepped behind the camera for the very first time with Vibe, the action-comedy that hit Indian screens on September 18, 2026, and opened to a solid Rs 2.25 crore at the box office on its debut day.

The film marks a significant career milestone for Kunal, who has spent over two decades in the Indian entertainment industry primarily as a actor. Having appeared in numerous television shows and a handful of films, his transition to directing has been eagerly anticipated by fans and industry watchers alike. The decision to star in his own directorial venture adds another layer of ambition to the project.

Preity Zinta, one of Bollywood's most accomplished actresses, plays a pivotal role alongside Kunal in the film. Her presence in the cast was seen as a major selling point for the movie, and her entry into the project generated considerable buzz ahead of the release. Vibe is described as an action-comedy, blending high-energy sequences with humour — a genre combination that has found success in Indian cinema in recent years.

The opening numbers suggest that audiences responded positively to the film on its first day. A Rs 2.25 crore collection on day one places Vibe in a decent position for a relatively small-scale.release, particularly one helmed by a first-time director. Industry analysts noted that the film likely benefited from strong word-of-mouth and positive early reviews, though detailed breakup figures across different territories have not yet been made public.

What makes this launch particularly noteworthy is the track record of those involved. Both Kunal Kemmu and Preity Zinta bring substantial experience to the project, having worked in the industry since the late 1990s and early 2000s respectively. Their decision to collaborate on a new original project — rather than relying on established franchises or remakes — signals a willingness to take creative risks in an era where Bollywood continues to lean heavily on familiar IP.

Box office experts are now looking ahead to the weekend collections, which will provide a clearer picture of whether Vibe has staying power. The next few days will be critical in determining whether the film can build on its opening-day momentum and secure a respectable run at the counters.