Dilwale Review/Box Office Thread 2 - Keep Calm,Watch Dilwale - Page 59

Dilwale races ahead of Bajirao Mastani

2015's final and biggest battle of the box-office has finally begun with both Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani taking in over 3000 screens each on December 18.

Dilwale, released in 3200 screens across the country, got off to a fabulous start with 70 per cent occupancies in the early shows. Despite protests against the film outside many theatres forced some shows to be cancelled but the film still managed to sail through beautifully through the day, earning Rs 21 crore by the end of it. This is the third highest opening day collection this year, after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Rs 40.35 crore) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Rs 27.25 crore). The film may not have glowing reviews all around to its credit but it must manage to do similar business today as well to uphold the lead.

Bajirao Mastani, released in 3050 screens pan India, didn't see as much of a footfall in the early shows, with occupancies ranging around 30 per cent, thanks to protests against the film in the western regions of the country. But the rave reviews and the taming down of protests led the film to do decent business by the end of the day with Rs 12.80 crore in the kitty. With the strong word of mouth and excellent critical response prevailing, the film might just notch a high opening weekend figure.

Let's wait and watch to see how the films pull through day two.