Box office: 'Befikre' collects Rs 34 crore in opening weekend

Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor in 'Befikre'

Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor in 'Befikre'

The film industry seems to be recovering from the demonetisation blow - slowly but surely. Last Friday's release, Befikre starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, managed to collect Rs 34.36 crore in its first weekend.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, the rom-com has mostly done well in urban centres. Trade expert Amod Mehra said the film was expected to perform way better: "Unlike the filmmaker's previous films which had an universal appeal, Befikre caters only to the youth. The collections aren't up to the mark as you don't expect such an ordinary opening from a director of his calibre. The weekdays will be the real test for the film."

Trade pundit Komal Nahta agrees that Befikre has underperformed considering Chopra's past record although the collections remained consistent over the first three days. "Only the youth and the multiplex audience have given a thumbs-up to the film. It is likely to recover production costs, but only if it holds its own during week days," he pointed out.

Box office analyst Amul Mohan echoes his colleagues. "You normally associate these numbers with young directors and not a seasoned filmmaker."