Bajrangi Bhaijaan Set For Strong Start - BOI & KOIMOI

This won't be an issue in the long run as long as core Hindi film markets sustsin well then a big total is a certainty. It is also pre Eid which keeps some of the Muslim audience away but last year Kick clocked up a huge 25 crore nett plus on Pre Eid so here the expectations are that and a bit more but if it gets above the Kick number it would be extraordinary considering the situation and also the film. The promos have been limited on action which is an important factor for initials especially Salman Khan starrers whereas Kick last year was presented as a blockbuster action film. The number should be big but maybe not as big as the expectations but with Eid falling on Saturday the film could go anywhere on day two and day three especially if public reports are on plus side.

Prediction: Salman Set For Biggest Opening With Bajrangi Bhaijaan

In less than 24 hours from now, the wait would be over. Bajrangi Bhaijaan, the biggest film of the year so far, would be seeing the widest release across the country, and in the process would most definitely take the biggest start in theaters. In fact its direct competition would be withBahubali as in Hindi, there hasn't been anything that has even come close to a record opening. In fact ABCD 2 had the highest opening day with 14 crore and that would be more than just doubled by the Kabir Khan directed film.

Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra in a still from movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan'

Salman Khan's record for the highest opening day is 33 crore, which was for Ek Tha Tiger. On the other hand, the opening of his last release, Kick, was 26.5 crore. Now for Bajrangi Bhaijaan, at least 30 crore are pretty much on the cards. Moreover, a 100 crore weekend is pretty much for the taking. As for more moolah coming in, it would all boil down to the content, though buzz is that this Eros production is a true emotional entertainer in the making that would go far beyond instant-coffee affairs that Salman Khan films pretty much turn out to be.

Kabir Khan has a clean record so far with last couple of his films being good money spinners (Ek Tha Tiger - 199 crore, New York - 45 crore). With Bajrangi Bhaijaan, he should be comfortably topping his highest score. As for Eros, they are on a winning spree after Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Badlapur and NH10. They should make it four in a row now with Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

All in all, a very hearty weekend ahead for the industry.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder