'Spectre' crosses Rs.30 crore in opening weekend in India

"Spectre", the 24th instalment of the James Bond franchise, grossed over Rs.30 crore approximately in its opening weekend in India, making it the biggest James Bond film of all time in the country, Sony Pictures India announced.

The hugely anticipated movie, co-produced by Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, posted a gross of Rs.31.9 crore ($4.8 million) approximately in its opening weekend, read a statement.

Sony Pictures India released the film exclusively in high-quality 2K digital format in 1250 screens in four languages - English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu; and in 2D and IMAX formats.

Officials are happy with its box office performance here.

"We are very happy that 'Spectre' opening in India is mirroring its global success. The film was hugely anticipated and the 'masala' action film has connected with audiences across India. The weekend box office numbers are proof of that and we are sure that James Bond will continue entertaining audiences in weeks to come," said Vivek Krishnani, managing director, Sony Pictures India.

The film stars Daniel Craig as James Bond who is on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (played by Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Sam Mendes has directed the film, which released in India on November 20.