Can Bodyguard beat Ready, Dabangg?

With less than 2 weeks to go for Salman Khan’s next release – Bodyguard – its time for some box office predictions. With the film releasing over the extended EID weekend, the 5 day weekend is expected to be record breaking.

Even an average of 11 – 12 crores nett per day would mean a 55 – 60 crore weekend! We expect both the weekend and Week 1 record, currently held by Dabangg, to be broken.

Having said that, the problem for Bodyguard is the fact that there are no open weekends. Most of the record breaking films like Dabangg, Golmaal 3, Ready and 3 Idiots had absolutely no competition for weeks.

Bodyguard faces tough competition from Yashraj Films Mere Brother Ki Dulhan which is scheduled for release on September 9th. A week later, Mausam starring Shahid and Sonam Kapoor is lined up to hit screens. Although Bodyguard is likely to remain the first choice at single screens, the release of two biggies would mean lesser shows at multiplexes. The number of shows would then depend on the audience verdict.

Hence, if the lifetime records set by Ready and Dabangg are to be broken, the film has to be liked (read strong content).

Going by the hype the promos have created and the popularity of the music, we expect Week 1 (9 days) to be around 80 – 85 crores. A detailed prediction will be published just before the release of the film.

What do you think of 85 crores in Week 1, unrealistic or possible? Can Bodyguard beat Ready and then Dabangg? To what extent will the release of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Mausam affect Bodyguard? Tell us in the comments section below.

Bodyguard starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor is set for release on 31st August 2011. The film also has Katrina Kaif in a special appearance.