Rowdy Rathore is Biggest openings ever for Akshay Kumar

Mumbai: Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha's film, helmed by choreographer-turned-director Prabhudheva is off to a flying start. The film opened with very encouraging number, raking in Rs 15.10 crore on the very first day. The film followed with numbers like Rs 16.40 crore on Saturday and Rs 18.5 crore on Sunday bringing in Rs 50 crore India net. It even broke the record of Salman Khan's 'Dabangg' that stood at Rs 48 crore. Mumbai-based distributor Rajesh Thadani explains, "A lot of things have worked for the film, like the timing, the set up, Prabhudheva's direction and the entire masala that has been spread evenly over the film." He adds, "The film has got the biggest possible opening for the year after Agneepath, if you count just three day weekend collection. And mind you Agneepath released on a national holiday. The film is going strong on Monday as well, be it at multiplexes or at single screens." Delhi-based distributor Sanjay Ghai exclaims, "The film has entered the league of Dabangg and 3 Idiots. It is a sure shot entry into the Rs 100 crore club and is already declared to be a blockbuster." The film has already earned $ 1.25 million from all territories worldwide, till Saturday. In the Middle East too, this was Akshay's biggest opening ever. Exhibitors Girish Wankhede points out, "Normally Akshay's films don't take a major opening. But the success of Housefull 2 gave Rowdy Rathore a push. The film opened with 60 per cent occupancy on Friday and by the end of the week, through major word of mouth, it reached 80 per cent. The film has a great repeat value." The trade is certain that the upcoming release Shanghai won't pose as a problem for the Akshay-Sonakshi starrer as most single screens would want to screen the film, whereas Shanghai is deemed to be more suited for the multiplex.