F1: The Movie – Brad Pitt’s Racing Drama Completes Historic 100-Day Run in India

Brad Pitt‘s adrenaline-fueled racing drama has achieved what few Hollywood films manage in India—a 100-day theatrical run with over ₹125 crore at the box office. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, this Apple Original Films release has become the highest-grossing Hollywood film of 2025 in India and the 15th highest-grossing Hollywood movie of all time in the country.

F1: The Movie – Quick Facts

The Plot: Retirement, Mentorship, and Redemption

F1: The Movie follows a Formula One driver who comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver. Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a racing legend coaxed back into the high-octane world of Formula 1 to lead a struggling team while mentoring hotshot driver Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris.

The film captures the intense physical and psychological demands of F1 racing—speeds exceeding 200 mph, split-second decisions, and the razor-thin margin between glory and disaster. Unlike typical sports dramas, this Apple Original Films production was shot at actual Formula 1 races, giving audiences unprecedented authenticity.

Why India Embraced Brad Pitt’s Racing Drama

India’s love affair with F1: The Movie isn’t accidental. The country has witnessed Formula 1’s growing popularity, especially after the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series. The film’s ₹125 crore collection has surpassed Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick in India, proving that high-octane action transcends cultural boundaries when executed with cinematic excellence.

The extended theatrical run mirrors the success of other Hollywood blockbusters that found surprising Indian audiences, demonstrating that quality storytelling combined with spectacular visuals creates universal appeal.

Joseph Kosinski: The Master of Aerial Excellence

Following his massive success with Top Gun: Maverick, Joseph Kosinski returns with another technically ambitious project. Known for his meticulous attention to practical effects and authentic action sequences, Kosinski didn’t rely on green screens or CGI trickery. The production team filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, capturing real F1 cars, drivers, and the electric atmosphere of race day.

This commitment to authenticity resonates with audiences tired of CGI-heavy spectacles. Similar to directors who prioritize practical filmmaking, Kosinski understands that visceral, tangible action creates deeper audience connection.

Lewis Hamilton: From Champion to Producer

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton serving as producer adds legitimacy that typical sports films lack. His involvement ensured technical accuracy—from pit stop choreography to racing tactics—that F1 enthusiasts immediately recognized. Hamilton’s participation also attracted motorsport fans who might typically skip Hollywood’s often inaccurate portrayals of their beloved sport.

This insider perspective mirrors successful sports biopics where athletes-turned-producers elevate authenticity, transforming generic underdog stories into compelling insider narratives.

The Star-Studded Cast Beyond Brad Pitt

While Brad Pitt’s star power drove initial interest, the ensemble cast delivers performances that justify the 100-day theatrical run:

Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce brings youthful intensity, portraying the ambitious young driver with hunger and vulnerability. His chemistry with Pitt creates the film’s emotional core—two generations of racers united by speed and separated by perspective.

Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon round out the cast, bringing gravitas to supporting roles that could have been stereotypical sports film archetypes. Their performances elevate F1: The Movie beyond predictable racing drama into character-driven storytelling.

Budget vs. Returns: A Financial Success Story

With a massive $300 million budget (₹2,565 crores), F1: The Movie needed strong global performance. The film has collected ₹125.17 crore in India alone while grossing over $450 million worldwide—a solid return for a non-franchise, original sports drama.

In an era dominated by sequels and superhero films, F1’s financial success proves audiences still crave original, well-crafted stories. This performance mirrors other mid-budget successes that defied box office expectations, offering hope for non-IP driven cinema.

What Makes This 100-Day Run Special?

Completing 100 days in Indian theaters is exceptionally rare for Hollywood films. Most international releases disappear within 3-4 weeks, displaced by Bollywood and regional cinema’s constant output. F1: The Movie’s longevity suggests:

1. Strong word-of-mouth: Audiences recommended it to friends, creating sustained interest
2. IMAX and premium format appeal: The film’s spectacular racing sequences justify premium ticket prices
3. Repeat viewership: Racing enthusiasts returned multiple times to catch details
4. Cross-demographic appeal: It attracted both sports fans and general audiences

This pattern resembles other Hollywood films with unusual Indian staying power, proving that exceptional filmmaking transcends cultural specificity.

Critical Reception and Audience Verdict

The film currently holds a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb, indicating positive critical and audience reception. Reviews praised the authentic racing sequences, Pitt’s committed performance, and Kosinski’s technical mastery. Some critics noted the predictable sports drama narrative, but most agreed the execution elevated familiar material.

The audience verdict has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for IMAX screenings where the roar of F1 engines and trackside perspectives create immersive experiences unmatched by home viewing.

Streaming and Legacy

As an Apple Original Films production, F1: The Movie will eventually stream on Apple TV+, extending its reach beyond theatrical audiences. However, the film’s technical achievements—shot specifically for large-format screens—make it a theatrical experience first.

Its success may inspire studios to invest in original sports dramas rather than relying solely on established franchises. For racing fans and cinema enthusiasts, F1: The Movie represents something increasingly rare—a big-budget, practical-effects-driven spectacle grounded in authentic storytelling.

The Road Ahead

As F1: The Movie concludes its historic 100-day Indian run, its legacy extends beyond box office numbers. It proved that audiences crave authenticity, that sports films can transcend genre limitations, and that original stories can compete with franchise behemoths.

For those who missed the theatrical experience, prepare for its streaming debut. But nothing will quite match experiencing those F1 engines roaring through theater speakers—a reminder that some films are meant to be felt as much as watched.

Follow more box office analysis and film insights at Pinkvilla and IMDb, and discover more about blockbuster success stories in Indian cinema.

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