Padmaavat earns Rs.18cr on Day-1, R-Day weekend to boost business
What's the story
Padmaavat had to undergo a lengthy battle to see the light of day. Its release was marred by violence and arson in several states.
Multiplexes in four states refused to even screen it, despite the SC clearing it.
Still, the controversial movie managed to earn a whopping Rs. 18cr on opening day.
The following three-day weekend is only expected to boost it further.
Business
Movie expected to cross Rs. 50cr mark by second day
On January 25, the day of its release, 1mn people watched Padmaavat, makers Viacom18 claimed.
After the months-long controversy, it could have earned Rs. 26 -27cr, Box Office India (BOI) said, but non-screening in several places hit earnings.
Business in Mumbai and Andhra Pradesh was booming.
By the second day, it is expected to earn another Rs. 30cr, touching the Rs. 50cr mark.
Data
Good business in Australia, not so much in the Gulf
BOI reports the movie's opening in the Gulf, the biggest overseas market for most films, wasn't very strong at $375,000; but in Australia ($367,000), it broke records with both major chains in the country screening the movie. In the UK, it earned £100,000.
Violence
Viewership expected to increase as protests die out
Despite advanced bookings for the controversial movie, the turnout was low in many places as people chose to give it a miss fearing violence.
As protests dwindle, tickets are likely to sell like fire.
For Deepika Padukone, the lead actress, the reactions have been "phenomenal." "That is in a way the best response we can give, through the work that we do," she said.
Data
Opening day collections of superhit blockbusters
'Baahubali 2' broke records for the highest opening day collections with earnings of Rs. 40.7cr. Salman Khan's 'Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo' and 'Sultan' follow with Rs. 39.2cr and Rs. 36.6cr respectively. 'Dangal,' the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time, earned Rs. 29.1cr on Day-1.