Ek Din (2026) Movie: Review, Box Office & Booking Deals

What is Ek Din?

 

 

Released on May 1, 2026, Ek Din starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi was one of the year's most talked-about romantic dramas. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the film has completed its theatrical run and now awaits an OTT premiere. Despite a mixed critical reception, Sai Pallavi's powerful performance and the stunning Japan visuals remain widely praised.

 

 

Directed by Sunil Pandey, the film tells an emotionally charged story set against the stunning backdrop of Japan. With Aamir Khan Productions backing it, and a lead cast that blends fresh talent with proven box-office appeal, Ek Din arrives with expectations that go beyond just another romantic drama.

 

Ek Din

 

Release Date: May 1, 2026  |  Director: Sunil Pandey  |  Cast: Junaid Khan, Sai Pallavi, Kunal Kapoor  |  Producer: Aamir Khan Productions

 

The film follows the story of Meera (Sai Pallavi), a young woman diagnosed with Transient Global Amnesia — a rare medical condition that makes every moment fragile. She travels to Japan with Junaid Khan's character, and he has just 24 hours to create memories that will last a lifetime. It's a premise that blends romance with the urgency of time, and early buzz suggests the chemistry between the leads is the film's strongest asset.

 

Kunal Kapoor steps into a pivotal supporting role, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward love story. The Japan setting — from vibrant Tokyo streets to serene countryside — is reportedly shot beautifully, giving the film a visual richness that Bollywood romantic dramas rarely achieve. Sai Pallavi, known for her deeply emotional performances in Premam and Fidaa, brings her trademark authenticity to a role that demands it.

 

Produced under the Aamir Khan Productions banner, the film carries expectations of a certain emotional and narrative depth. Aamir Khan's production house has a track record of backing stories that matter — from Taare Zameen Par to Dangal — and Ek Din fits that tradition of heartfelt, character-driven cinema.

 

 

Why It's Worth Watching

 

 

 

Junaid Khan's debut is arguably the biggest talking point around Ek Din. As the son of Aamir Khan, expectations were always going to be sky-high — but early accounts suggest he holds his own against Sai Pallavi, a performer who has consistently outshone her co-stars. The 24-hour countdown conceit creates a natural tension that lifts the story above conventional romance tropes.

 

The Transient Global Amnesia angle is particularly compelling — it's a real medical condition rarely explored in Indian cinema. This gives the film both emotional weight and a layer of authenticity that Bollywood romance often lacks. The Japan setting is not just window dressing; it becomes integral to the narrative, with the foreign landscape mirroring the characters' emotional dislocation.

 

Sai Pallavi continues to make bold choices, and this film feels like another deliberate step away from conventional commercial cinema. For audiences tired of formulaic love stories, Ek Din promises something quietly different — a romance built on the fear of forgetting, not the thrill of falling in love.

 

Where to Watch Ek Din in Theatres

 

 

Ek Din was released theatrically on May 1, 2026 at PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis multiplexes across India. The film completed its theatrical run after approximately five weeks. An OTT premiere date has not yet been announced — once it lands on a streaming platform, viewers who missed it in cinemas will be able to watch Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan's performances from home.

 

For the best experience, catch it in a premium format if available — the Japan visuals and immersive sound design would benefit from a large screen. Check local showtimes at your nearest PVR or INOX for the most convenient screening.

 

 

Critical Reception & Box Office

 

Ek Din received largely mixed-to-negative reviews from critics upon its release. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.6/10. Made on a budget of ₹25 crore, the film earned approximately ₹5 crore at the Indian box office, making it a commercial disappointment.

 

The film's reception was notably divided. Rajiv Vijaykar of Koimoi gave it 4.5 stars, calling it "a beautifully written, emotionally engaging romance." Subhash K Jha awarded 3.5 stars, praising Sai Pallavi as "an actress so far ahead of the competition she makes the rest look like cheerleaders." Anuj Kumar of The Hindu described the film as "a palate cleanser, blending mood and memory with a touch of magic."

 

However, several major outlets were less impressed. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave 2 out of 5 stars, writing that the film "isn't outright bad" but lacks "zing." Vineeta Kumar of India Today also gave 2/5, noting that "striking Japan backdrop cannot compensate for thin writing." Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times rated it 2.5/5, calling it "one note short of impact." The film is an official remake of the 2016 Thai film One Day and was also dubbed in Tamil and Telugu.

 

Songs & Buzz

 

The soundtrack of Ek Din, composed by Ram Sampath with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, became a talking point for an unexpected reason. Though Arijit Singh had formally announced his departure from playback singing, he honored prior commitments and delivered vocals for five tracks in the film, making this one of his last major Bollywood albums.

 

The album includes the title track "Ek Din Title Track" (4:22), "Khwaab Dekhoon" (4:13), "Konichiwa" (3:08), "Behke Yaar" (3:39), and "Tadapnaa Judaa Judaa" (3:41). A female version of the title track sung by Meghna Mishra was also released. The album was released under Zee Music Company on April 6, 2026. The film's Japan setting — shot in Sapporo during winter 2024 — was widely praised for its cinematography by Manoj Lobo.

 

FAQs

 

Q: When did Ek Din release?
A: Ek Din was released in theatres on May 1, 2026. Its theatrical run has now concluded.

Q: Who stars in Ek Din?
A: The film stars Junaid Khan, Sai Pallavi, and Kunal Kapoor. It is produced by Aamir Khan Productions and directed by Sunil Pandey.

Q: What is the story of Ek Din?
A: The film follows a woman diagnosed with Transient Global Amnesia who travels to Japan. Her companion has only 24 hours to make lasting memories with her.

Q: Where can I book movie tickets?
A: Book tickets at PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis via magicpin for the best deals on cinema tickets and entertainment offers.

Q: Is Ek Din available on OTT?
A: Not yet. Ek Din completed its theatrical run and its OTT premiere date on a streaming platform has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for updates on where to watch it online.