'Once Upon...' opens on impressive note

Gangster drama "Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobaara!" has got an impressive opening, but the violence is keeping families away from watching the film, says trade analysts. "Chennai Express", meanwhile, continues to entertain families.

Balaji Motion Pictures' "Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobaara!" released in approximately 1,600 screens across the country Thursday and collected Rs.14.2 crore from paid previews.

The film opened up in approximately 2,500 screens (including single screens) Friday, with sustained word-of-mouth and great response in the morning and afternoon shows, said a statement.

"Thursday paid preview saw 100 percent occupancy. Friday also so far it's 80 percent. Expecting to do better during evening. Mostly youth are watching and less families as there is lot of violence in the film," Anant Verma, director and business head of DT Cinemas, told IANS.

"'Chennai Express' is watched by families and we are expecting 80 percent occupancy this weekend," he added.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh said that the figures of Milan Luthria-directed film starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, are "very good" considering the limited release on Aug 15.

In the meantime, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Chennai Express" running superfast at the box office with Rs.156.70 crore collection within a week itself.