26 May,2015 08:33 AM IST | | Gaurav Dubey
Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan-starrer 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' got off to a flying start, collecting Rs 38.10 crore in its opening weekend — the second highest figures for 2015 so far after 'Gabbar Is Back' (Rs 39.5 crore)
A still from Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan-starrer 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' got off to a flying start, collecting Rs 38.10 crore in its opening weekend - the second highest figures for 2015 so far after 'Gabbar Is Back' (Rs 39.5 crore).
Kangana Ranaut plays a double role in 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'. Pic/Santa Banta
Trade expert Amod Mehra says, "'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' is the first heroine-oriented film to have registered the highest first weekend collection. This is also the first commercial film after a long time which both the critics as well as the audience have loved."
Also read: 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' - Movie Review
On Friday, the film opened to full houses in the North, but did average business elsewhere, he adds. "Saturday saw a huge jump across India and on Sunday, despite the IPL final, the first day's collections doubled," asserts Mehra.
On the other hand, 'Piku' featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan continued to pull in the crowds even in its third week and raked in Rs 15.70 crore. So far, its total collections are upwards of the Rs 70-crore mark.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh feels May has been a game changer for the industry. "Barring 'Bombay Velvet', this month saw the release of three films - 'Gabbar Is Back', 'Piku' and now 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' - that gave the industry a much needed push at a time when it was going through a depression," he adds.