Bajrangi Bhaijaan Box Office Opening: Extra ordinary

Salman Khan has done it again. ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, released on a non-holiday during the Ramadan period when muslim audiences stay away from theatres, has taken an extra ordinary opening at the box office.

The opening is better than his last release ‘KICK’ at most places, which in itself is a massive achievement. Unlike ‘KICK’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ did not have the advantage of the mass-appealing action genre and none of the songs were chartbusters either.

The Kabir Khan directed film has opened well in every nook and corner of the country, including South where last week’s release ‘Baahubali’ is still performing well.

Surprisingly, even in muslim dominated areas, the opening was around the 65-70% range.  Looking at the occupancy for the morning and noon shows, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is almost certain to surpass the collections of ‘KICK’. It could post a much bigger 30 crore plus total because Saturday is a holiday, which should ensure that the film picks up at multiplexes Friday evening onwards.

‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is set for a huge weekend at the box office. Looking at the advance booking and early reports from the audience, the weekend numbers could surprise.

Opening day occupancy of films released in 2015. Do note that Salman Khan’s Kick has managed morning show occupancy of 70-75% even though it had the widest release (4000 – 4100 screens) so far this year.

• Bajrangi Bhaijaan – 75%
• ABCD 2 - 55%
• Tanu Weds Manu Returns – 45%
• Gabbar Is Back – 45% (partial holiday)
• Roy – 38%
• Detective Byomkesh Bakshi – 35% (holiday)
• Badlapur – 30%
• Tevar – 30%
• Dil Dhadakne Do – 25%
• Baby – 25%
• Bombay Velvet – 20%
• Piku – 18%
• Shamitabh – 15%
• NH10 – 15%
• Mr X – 10%
• Dum Laga Ke Haisha – 8%