Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s spy comedy Udta Teer released in theatres on October 23, 2026, to mixed reviews from critics and a modest start at the box office. Early trade estimates place the film’s opening day net collection between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4.10 crore.
The film, directed by debutant Aakash Kaushik, follows a Pakistani spy who loses his memory and begins to believe he is an Indian counter-terrorism officer. It is produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment.
Critics Divided on Spy Spoof
Reviews have been split, with some praising the film’s absurd premise and Ayushmann Khurrana’s comic timing, while others criticise the writing for losing steam in the second half.
Filmfare rated the film 3.5 out of 5, calling it ‘a spy spoof that hits the target.’ The review noted that Khurrana is ‘in excellent form’ and that his comic timing is ‘impeccable.’
Pinkvilla also gave 3.5 out of 5, writing that the film ‘serves a major laugh riot.’ It praised the ensemble cast, including Rahul Bose, Gulshan Grover, and the late Mukul Dev, for elevating the comedy.
Bollywood Hungama rated it 3.0 out of 5, describing it as ‘an amusing spy comedy that works thanks to its quirky premise.’ The review noted that the story ‘loses steam in the third act.’
Cinema Express was more critical, giving 2.5 out of 5. It wrote that the film is ‘hilarious till it isn’t,’ adding that ‘novelty has a short shelf life.’
Outlook India noted that the film ‘struggles to look beyond its own political humour,’ while Variety India said it is ‘caught between patriotism, punchlines and a plot with an identity crisis.’
Modest Opening Day Collections
Box office figures for the opening day varied across trade trackers. Times Now News reported an opening day collection of Rs 4.10 crore, citing Sacnilk, with an overall occupancy of 12.42%.
Pinkvilla estimated the opening day net collection at around Rs 3.50 to Rs 4.00 crore, noting that business picked up from the evening shows after a slow morning.
ETV Bharat reported an estimated net collection of Rs 2.58 crore and a gross of Rs 3.04 crore from 4,902 shows. Koimoi predicted a day one net of Rs 3.5 to 4.5 crore, stating that the film is ‘not an advance-booking-friendly film and will be dependent on word-of-mouth.’
The film opened lower than Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s previous release, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, which earned Rs 4.38 crore on its first day.
Udta Teer faces competition from multiple new releases, including Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, Tu Hai Meri Kiran, and Tum Mere Ho. It will also compete with the ongoing run of Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 at the Hindi box office.
Cast and Crew
Ayushmann Khurrana leads the cast as Bilal Ahmad, a Pakistani spy who assumes the identity of Vikrant Thapar, an Indian counter-terrorism agent. Sara Ali Khan plays Yamini, his wife who works in India’s defence establishment.
The ensemble includes Rahul Bose as CTS head M. D. Burman, Suhail Nayyar as Dhruv, Ram Kapoor as Pakistani Lt General A. Q. Niyazi, and Gulshan Grover as General Mohammed Ali Mir.
The late Mukul Dev appears in his final role as the terrorist Azhar Maqsood. The cast also includes Raghubir Yadav, Brijendra Kala, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Smita Tambe, and Sandeep Anand.
The film is written and directed by Aakash Kaushik, with additional writing by Gautam Govind Sharma and Dia Walia. Sachin-Jigar composed the music, and Ketan Sodha handled the background score.
Release and Controversy
Udta Teer was initially scheduled to release on October 9, 2026, but was postponed to October 23 to secure a cleaner release window.
Ahead of its release, the film was denied permission for theatrical release in Nepal. Nepal’s Central Film Censor Board found the content to be in violation of restrictions under Section 8(3) of the National Cinema Act, 2026.
During promotions, the film’s team faced backlash after a promotional event at the Wagah border. Pakistani users on social media criticised the move, with one user calling it ‘peak ragebaiting.’
Social Media Reactions
Early audience reactions on X were mixed. One viewer gave the film four stars and wrote, ‘A Masaledaar Patriotic Comedy with Twists after Twists! There is a solid backup to the story, every situation makes sense and creates hysterical moments that are hilarious.’
Another viewer praised the climax, writing, ‘The final 20 minutes and climax deliver twists that can be compared to the likes of Dhurandhar 2 and Drishyam.’
Some viewers were less impressed. One reviewer wrote, ‘It’s a good, one-time watch comedy movie! Strictly for Timepass.’ Another called it ‘a below-average film that squanders a promising premise.’
Udta Teer continues its theatrical run. Its performance over the opening weekend will determine whether positive word-of-mouth can improve its box office trajectory.
