MUMBAI: The socio-political thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal has raked in approximately Rs 39 crore in the opening weekend
Prakash Jha’s multi-starrer Satyagraha has fared well at the box office so far, considering his last two films in the same genre – Chakravyuh and Aarakshan – had a fairly dry spell. Satyagraha, which released last week, collected around Rs 11.21 crore on Friday, surpassing the opening day record of Raajneeti and making it Jha’s biggest opener so far. On Saturday, the movie showed impressive improvement at the box office, collecting approximately Rs 13 crore. Satyagraha continued its good run at the ticket counters on Sunday and minted around 14.83 crore. Trade analyst and critic Taran Adarsh tweeted, “Satyagraha grew steadfastly and robustly in evening/night shows. Collects Rs. 11.21 cr on Friday. Prakash Jha’s biggest opener thus far.”
According to Box Office India, “Satyagraha showed growth on Saturday as collections were 15 percent higher than Friday. The collections were up at multiplexes all over with a good upward trend in Mumbai, Delhi, East Punjab and Bangalore.”
Exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi believes that Satyagraha’s stellar star cast is one reason why the movie had a good start. He says, “Satyagraha has taken a good start over the weekend courtesy the outstanding cast and the theme of the film, which is very relevant in these times. Had the promotions been more aggressive and focused, it would have notched the collections up even more!”
With Chennai Express, Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara and Madras Cafe releasing earlier this month, August was a rather fruitful month for industrywallahs. “With Satyagraha doing well, August has become one of the best months in a while for the industry courtesy the numbers Chennai Express, OUATIMD, Madras Café had! Here’s wishing for more moneyspinners”, adds Rathi.
Meanwhile, the Shahrukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer Chennai Express is still getting cash registers ringing at the box office. Rohit Shetty’s romcom has managed to rake in Rs.218.42 crore in the domestic market in just 21 days, smashing the record of Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots.
As for Satyagraha, the movie may have a tough time at the box office in the coming week, as two big films are set to hit the screens – Shuddh Desi Romance and Zanjeer 2.0.
