Dilwale has done well on its Day One by collecting 21 crore. With extensive marketing, perfect promotion and an able starcast, director and team, the film had everything going for it, as far as the opening numbers were concerned. However, with Bajirao Mastaniwhich collected 12.8 crore has a worthy opponent, there were screens as well as audience divided on Friday. For a film as big as this, collections to the tune of 30 crore could well have been on the cards had this been a solo release. However, since Shah Rukh Khan and Co. took an informed decision to arrive on this date, courtesy three open weeks ahead, it was understandable that the numbers would be lower.
Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in a still from movie ‘Dilwale’
This is the reason why the opening day collections of 21 crore are good enough for the film to consolidate from this point on. Yes, these are lower than what Shah Rukh Khan has managed as far as the opening day collections of his last few films are concerned. However, when one looks at the restricted screen count due to the clash, and hence the division in audience, it is not a factor to worry for Dilwale.
Here are the Top-10 opening days of 2015 so far:
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – 40.35 crore
Bajrangi Bhaijaan – 27.25 crore
Dilwale – 21 crore
Singh Is Blinng – 20.67 crore
Brothers – 15.2 crore
Welcome Back – 14.35 crore
ABCD – Any Body Can Dance – 2 – 14.3 crore
Shaandaar – 13.1 crore
Gabbar Is Back – 13.05 crore
Bajirao Mastani – 11.8 crore
The film has seen mixed reviews come its way – some scathing, some good and some very good. However, this is on the expected lines as critical acclaim has never been the mainstay of a Rohit Shetty film. Eventually, it would all boil down to the audience word of mouth. While that is still setting in, a long festive season ahead should ensure a good bounty overall for the film.
Note: All collections as per production and distributor sources.
