Special 26 reviews & discussion thread. Index Pg1 - Page 40

An amused Akshay Kumar says his latest film has made an actor out of a hero. But his heart still beats for the fan dancing in the isle

After 24 years in the industry and more than 125 titles on his filmography, Akshay Kumar finds himself in a curious position. This is probably the first time his 'acting chops' have been recognised and it is not without reasons that the actor himself tags Special 26 as the best film of his career.

Not surprisingly, Akshay says he is not used tosuch adulation: "I am accustomed to commercial success but notcritical acclaim — I am used to rewards and not awards. I am getting recognition, and that too from critics who had never written one good word about any of my performances till this film happened. This film has given me a chance to rediscover myself as an actor."

So, why did a 'commercial hero' take up such a different project, after initially refusing it? "At first, I did not understand the film. If you have seen the film, you will know what I am talking about—it has so many twists and turns. It is when the director came back and explained the subject that I understood the prospects of the project and I was shocked when I thought that I had actually refused such an offer," admits Akshay.

However, the actor refuses to consider the film as a risky project. "For me, it was an opportunity to learn. Previously, whenever I had asked Anupam Kher and Paresh Rawal about their intermittent theatre stints, they would tell me that the process helps them reinvent themselves," elaborates Akshay, likening his latest with the theatrical process.

But before we jump to conclusions, Akshay points out that he doesn't see himself doing only such intense roles. "Special 26 required a restrained performance. But, every film cannot be like this. Certain films require over-the-top acting and those films have a mass appeal. I want to bring in a balance in the characters I choose from now on."

The film has also brought out a different facet of the star. A video of him singing a version ofMujhme hai tu has grabbed eyeballs online. Apparently the actor put in a lot of heart into the romantic number, which he has dedicated to his wife. But he also ensured the director didn't put his version in the film.

"The original singer's voice is much better. I am a non-singer. I know my limitations." As for the sequel to the Neeraj Pandey film, Akshay shrugs it off. "It's too early," he says.

We'll take his word for it.

SPECIAL 26 has won the hearts of the Overseas junta. The film showed remarkable growth over the weekend, especially in U.S.A. [despite heavy snowfall in parts of the country] and U.A.E. … ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE has found no flavour in key markets, except U.A.E. … Telugu film MIRCHI has fetched a flying start in U.S.A. … Tamil film VISHWAROOPAM continues to spell magic in U.K. and U.S.A.

Weekend: February 8 - 10, 2013.

U.K. & IRELAND BOX-OFFICE

• SPECIAL 26: In its opening weekend, the film has collected 1,07,520 [Rs. 90.81 lacs] on 46 screens, with the per screen average working out to 2,337.



• RACE 2: In its third weekend, the film has collected 47,751 on 26 screens, with the per screen average working out to 1,837. Total: 8,23,701 [Rs. 6.96 crores].



• VISHWAROOPAM [Tamil]: In its third weekend, the film has collected 30,231 on 21 screens, with the per screen average working out to 1,440. Total: 2,75,318 [Rs. 2.33 crores].



• MIRCHI [Telugu]: In its opening weekend, the film has collected 3,591 [Rs. 3.03 lacs] on 4 screens, with the per screen average working out to 898.



• KADAL [Tamil]: In its second weekend, the film has collected 3,189 on 4 screens, with the per screen average working out to 797. Total: 35,737 [Rs. 30.20 lacs].



• SAJJAN - THE REAL FRIEND [Punjabi]: In its opening weekend, the film has collected 2,119 [Rs. 1.79 lacs] on 5 screens, with the per screen average working out to 424.



• BAVUTTIYUDE NAMATHIL [Tamil]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected 1,246 on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to 623. Total: 4,134 [Rs. 3.49 lacs].



• TU MERA 22 MAIN TERA 22 [Punjabi]: In its third weekend, the film has collected 238 on 1 screen. Total: 26,856 [Rs. 22.69 lacs].



• SAADI LOVE STORY [Punjabi]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected 8 on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to 4. Total: 35,742 [Rs. 30.20 lacs].

U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE

• SPECIAL 26: In its opening weekend, the film has collected $ 4,62,262 [Rs. 2.49 crores] on 85 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 5,438.



• ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE: In its opening weekend, the film has collected $ 95,236 [Rs. 51.29 lacs] on 25 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 3,809.



• RACE 2: In its third weekend, the film has collected $ 81,944 on 63 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 1,301. Total: $ 15,24,877 [Rs. 8.21 crores].

Note:- The figures mentioned below of *all* films are of *reported screens* only. The totals could be much higher.

• MIRCHI [Telugu]: In its opening weekend, the film has collected $ 4,71,941 [Rs. 2.54 crores] on 82 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 5,755.



• VISHWAROOPAM [Tamil]: In its third weekend, the film has collected $ 59,953 on 32 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 1,874. Total: $ 9,98,802 [Rs. 5.38 crores].



• VISHWAROOPAM [Telugu]: In its third weekend, the film has collected $ 16,047 on 15 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 1,070. Total: $ 1,90,441 [Rs. 1.03 crores].



• ONGOLE GITHA [Telugu]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 608 on 5 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 122. Total: $ 27,800 [Rs. 14.97 lacs].



• SEETHAMMA VAKITLO SIRIMALLE CHETTU [Telugu]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected $ 520 on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 260. Total: $ 16,35,300 [Rs. 8.81 crores].



• NAAYAK [Telugu]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected $ 168 on 1 screen. Total: $ 4,94,140 [Rs. 2.66 crores].



• MATRU KI BIJLEE KA MANDOLA: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected $ 100 on 1 screen. Final total to be updated.



• DAVID: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 82 on 1 screen. Total: $ 6,161 [Rs. 3.32 lacs].



• DAVID [Tamil]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 58 on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 29. Total: $ 6,812 [Rs. 3.67 lacs].

U.A.E. BOX-OFFICE

• SPECIAL 26: The film has collected $ 3,95,000 [Rs. 2.13 crores] in its opening weekend.



• ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE: The film has collected $ 2,40,000 [Rs. 1.29 crores] in its opening weekend.

AUSTRALIA BOX-OFFICE

• SPECIAL 26: In its opening weekend, the film has collected A$ 86,777 [Rs. 47.98 lacs] on 11 screens, with the per screen average working out to A$ 7,889.



• ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE: In its opening weekend, the film has collected A$ 33,295 [Rs. 18.40 lacs] on 14 screens, with the per screen average working out to A$ 2,378.



• RACE 2: In its third weekend, the film has collected A$ 9,233 on 17 screens, with the per screen average working out to A$ 543. Total: A$ 3,95,780 [Rs. 2.19 crores].



• TU MERA 22 MAIN TERA 22 [Punjabi]: In its third weekend, the film has collected A$ 868 on 1 screen. Total: A$ 95,505 [Rs. 52.79 lacs].

NEW ZEALAND BOX-OFFICE

• SPECIAL 26: In its opening weekend, the film has collected NZ$ 34,929 [Rs. 15.64 lacs] on 8 screens, with the per screen average working out to NZ$ 4,366.



• ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE: In its opening weekend, the film has collected NZ$ 11,059 [Rs. 4.95 lacs] on 3 screens, with the per screen average working out to NZ$ 3,686.



• RACE 2: In its third weekend, the film has collected NZ$ 376 on 9 screens, with the per screen average working out to NZ$ 42. Total: NZ$ 1,44,510 [Rs. 64.72 lacs].

FIJI BOX-OFFICE

• SPECIAL 26: In its opening weekend, the film has collected FJD 21,777 [Rs. 6.65 lacs] on 2 screens, with the per screen average working out to FJD 10,889.

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/459