'MNIK' opens to huge response in Bangalore

Bangalore, Feb 12 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'My Name Is Khan' opened to a huge response in Bangalore Friday but got a lukewarm response in other parts of Karnataka like Hubli, Belgaum and Davangere.

The film opened to a great response in all the six multiplexes and 11 single screens in Bangalore.

Bijan Bose, Regional Head-Film cell (South India) told IANS: 'The response for the weekend is fantastic. Even the online bookings have been extremely good. We hope this trend will continue in the next seven days.'

Abid, programme head of Inox, said 'MNIK' is getting very good response in two INOX multiplexes in Garuda Mall and Swagath Complex. 'We are running nine shows in the Garuda Mall and five shows in Swagath Complex INOX cinemas. We are getting good inquiries for Saturday and Sunday through online bookings and advance bookings,' he said.

The lukewarm response in many cities in North Karnataka was due to the disturbances created on account of Sri Rama Sena Chief Pramod Muthalik's face being blackened in Bangalore by Congress workers Thursday evening.

Many towns in North Karnataka observed shutdown Friday and some have even announced shutdown Saturday. This affected the collections of 'MNIK' on the opening day.

'Generally, Shah Rukh's films open to a huge response, but somehow 'MNIK' has not got a good opening in Hubli and Belgaum, two major centres of North Karnataka region,' said well-known exhibitor and distributor Venkataraman Babji, who is the owner of Padma theatre in Hubli.