Day 2 Buzz: Srujan Lokesh’s ‘GST (Ghosts in Trouble)’ Sees Positive Word-of-Mouth Amidst Modest ₹0.11 Cr Opening
GST (Ghosts in Trouble): Why Srujan Lokesh’s Directorial Debut is Poised for a Weekend Surge
The curtains have officially risen on one of the most anticipated directorial debuts in Kannada cinema this year: GST (Ghosts in Trouble). Released theatrically across Karnataka on November 28, 2025, the film marks a significant milestone for popular television personality and actor Srujan Lokesh, who steps behind the camera for the first time. The day following its release, November 29, the industry is closely monitoring the film’s reception, a blend of modest initial box office numbers and overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth (WoM).
While the film—a family-friendly blend of horror and comedy—opened to a relatively reserved start, the strong audience sentiment and critical appreciation suggest that GST is poised to become a quintessential ‘word-of-mouth’ winner, a trend crucial for smaller-budget regional films.
The Day 1 Box Office Report: A Quiet Beginning
Initial box office reports for GST (Ghosts in Trouble) indicate a measured start, consistent with a film relying more on organic growth than a massive star-led opening. The film’s Day 1 collection is reported to be in the range of ₹0.11 Cr India Net, with a Worldwide Gross of approximately ₹0.13 Cr. Other estimates place the opening day figure slightly higher, at around ₹0.25 Cr.
While this figure might be considered a slow start for a major release, it is important to contextualize it. The final week of November 2025 saw several major releases competing for screen space, including the Hindi musical drama Tere Ishk Mein and Hollywood’s Zootopia 2. GST is primarily a Kannada-language film banking on the star power of Srujan Lokesh, whose fan base largely stems from television and family audiences, who typically turn up for cinema outings over the weekend rather than on the first weekday.
Crucially, the film’s estimated budget is around ₹10 crore. For the film to achieve a successful theatrical run, a significant surge over the first weekend (Days 2 and 3) is paramount. The initial Day 1 numbers are a base, but the current, almost universal, positive response from early viewers is the true indicator of its mid-to-long-term viability.
The Power of Positive WoM: Audience and Critical Consensus
Where the box office data offers a picture of caution, the critical reviews and audience feedback paint a portrait of success. The general consensus is that GST successfully delivers on its promise of being a genuine family entertainer.
Critical Praise:
The film has been praised for its unique concept—Ghost in Trouble—which flips the traditional horror trope. Critics noted that the movie is “not about taxes, systems, bills or the country’s favourite alphabet soup. It is about ghosts,” but not the terrifying kind. Instead, they are the “emotional remains of people who left with stories half-spoken and wounds half-stitched”. The film’s strength lies in its blend of humour and gravity, delivering sharp comic beats, particularly during the climatic bank-robbery sequence where the ghosts cause havoc only the protagonist, Lucky (Srujan Lokesh), can perceive.
Audience Verdict:
The public response has been even more emphatic. Social media and booking platform reviews are flooding with positive feedback, using hashtags like #SuperDirection, #Blockbuster, and #AwesomeStory. One reviewer noted, “The movie is superb, and we can watch it with our family members and laugh until our stomach hurts. The acting is very good”. This strong, familial endorsement is vital for a comedy-horror aimed at a broad demographic, suggesting a high potential for repeat viewing and a significant jump in occupancy on Saturday and Sunday.
Srujan Lokesh’s Directorial Vision and the Family Connect
GST is not just a film; it is a passion project and a professional turning point for Srujan Lokesh. After establishing himself as a versatile actor, producer, and the ‘Talking Star’ of television with shows like Majaa Talkies, his foray into direction with GST was highly anticipated.
Lokesh’s vision for the film was to create a different kind of ghost story—one where the ghosts themselves are in trouble. He successfully helmed a large ensemble cast, including his co-lead, Rajani Bharadwaj, and seasoned actors like Sharath Lohitashwa and Tabla Nani.
However, a truly heartwarming and unique element is the inclusion of his own family. The film features both his mother, veteran actress Girija Lokesh, and his son, Sukruth Srujan Lokesh, in key roles. Girija Lokesh plays one of the central ghosts who guides the protagonist, while his son Sukruth also performs on-screen stunts. This family collaboration adds an emotional layer and significant promotional buzz, reflecting the film’s overarching theme of family and emotional connection.
The Plot Deep Dive: Ghosts, Bank Robberies, and an Unlucky Man
The film’s protagonist, Lucky (Srujan Lokesh), is branded the “unluckiest man alive.” Spiralling into despair after the loss of his mother, he attempts suicide, only to be repeatedly saved by a group of quirky, friendly ghosts. These ghosts, having died during a past financial crisis, are unable to find salvation because of their unfinished business. They require Lucky’s help to complete a chaotic, comedic bank heist, which they believe will bring them peace.
The narrative cleverly uses the ghost element for comedic timing rather than jump scares. The ghosts’ inability to interact with the physical world, forcing Lucky to act on their behalf in front of the living, provides the central comedy. The ensemble cast, particularly Ravishankar Gowda as the confused bank manager and Shobaraj as the unpredictable burglar, capitalize on this ‘invisible chaos’ to generate consistent laughs. This creative and lighthearted approach is what has resonated strongly with audiences seeking escapist, wholesome entertainment.
What’s Next: Weekend Forecast and OTT Future
For a film like GST (Ghosts in Trouble), the box office performance is now entirely dependent on the strong word-of-mouth translating into ticket sales over the crucial Saturday and Sunday window. Exhibitors are expected to increase show timings based on the positive public reviews, anticipating a significant jump in collections—potentially a doubling or tripling of the Day 1 numbers—to push the film towards profitability.
Beyond its theatrical run, the film is already generating buzz for its digital release. While a final date is contingent on the film’s box office longevity, the film is reportedly slated for release on the streaming giant Netflix after its successful cinema tenure. This anticipated OTT deal provides a crucial safety net and ensures a broader reach for Srujan Lokesh’s directorial debut, solidifying its status as a notable Sandalwood release of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the full form of GST in the movie’s title?
A: The movie’s title, GST, stands for Ghosts in Trouble.
Q2: Who is the director and lead actor of the movie?
A: Both the director and the lead actor (playing the character Lucky) are the same person: Srujan Lokesh. This film marks his feature film directorial debut.
Q3: What is the movie’s genre and language?
A: GST (Ghosts in Trouble) is a Kannada-language film that falls under the Comedy-Horror genre, often described as a family-friendly comedy-thriller.
Q4: When was the GST movie released?
A: The movie was released in theaters on November 28, 2025.
Q5: Who else from Srujan Lokesh’s family is in the movie?
A: Srujan Lokesh’s mother, veteran actress Girija Lokesh, and his son, Sukruth Srujan Lokesh, are both part of the ensemble cast.
Q6: What is the plot of GST (Ghosts in Trouble)?
A: The plot follows Lucky, an extremely unlucky man, who meets a group of quirky, friendly ghosts. He teams up with the ghosts, who died during a financial crisis, to pull off a chaotic and comedic bank heist to help them achieve salvation.
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