23 December,2017 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonil Dedhia
Salman Khan brings respite to box office as Christmas release Tiger Zinda Hai kicks off with 90 per cent occupancy on opening day
After a year that saw a drought of box-office hits, trade pundits had pinned their hopes on Salman Khan's Tiger Zinda Hai. And if the opening day occupancy is anything to go by, the Christmas release has set the cash registers ringing. The film, which also stars Katrina Kaif, witnessed over 90 per cent occupancy across the country on its first day -- a feat considering Friday was a non-holiday.
Still from Tiger Zinda Hai
With the film having the advantage of an extended weekend, trade experts are of the opinion that the numbers will only see a rise over the next few days. Trade analyst Amod Mehra says, "I am sure Tiger Zinda Hai will be this year's biggest Bollywood film. Initial figures suggest that it will make more than Rs 30 crore on day one and will rake in over Rs 100 crore in three days. I believe Sunday is going to be massive. Monday being a holiday for Christmas is a bonus."
This brings much cheer among Khan fans too, who were left disappointed by his last outing, Tubelight. Distributor-exhibitor Akshaye Rathi opines that what adds to the film's appeal is that Tiger Zinda Hai is a slick action thriller -- something that will find favour among the masses as well as the multiplex-going audience.
"This like a Christmas and New Year treat for all Salman fans. He is playing to the gallery -- something that his fans have been wanting to see for a long time. The advance booking across single screens as well as multiplexes has been phenomenal."
Mehra adds that the word of mouth around the Ali Abbas Zafar-directed venture is positive. "People who have already seen the film, have liked it and are recommending it."
Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Again, which was a Diwali release, has been the biggest Bollywood grosser of 2017 so far. The next few days will be the judge of whether Khan's spy thriller can topple the comic caper.
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here.
Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go
