Box office: Kangana Ranaut's 'Simran' races past hero-driven 'Lucknow Central'

In the weeks leading to the release of Kangana Ranaut's 'Simran', many felt that the actor's explosive interviews put the spotlight on her rather than on the film. As the opening weekend numbers trickle in, the theory doesn't seem to hold ground

Kangana Ranaut in Simran

In the weeks leading to the release of Kangana Ranaut's Simran, many felt that the actor's explosive interviews put the spotlight on her rather than on the film. It was debated whether the move would hamper Simran's prospects at the box-office. As the opening weekend numbers trickle in, the theory doesn't seem to hold ground.

Also read: Simran Movie Review: Kangana Ranaut makes 'badass' look simple, human and full of heart

Still from Lucknow Central

After a slow Friday, Ranaut's women-centric film picked up over the weekend to register an opening weekend collection of Rs 10.65 crore. Farhan Akhtar's Lucknow Central that released alongside Simran could not match up to the Ranaut-starrer. The prison drama, directed by Ranjit Tiwari, earned Rs 8.42 crore over the first weekend.

Also read: Lucknow Central Movie Review: It surely deserves a dekho

While many expected Akhtar's release to register higher numbers, distributor-exhibitor Akshaye Rathi says, "It's a fairly good opening for both the films. But it needs to be seen whether they sustain through the week. That will be the real challenge."

Trade pundit Amod Mehra says that Akhtar's film will struggle to break-even. "It has failed to live up to the expectations. With the high cost of production, the film is a complete washout."

Ranaut, on the other hand, seems to ably shoulder her film. "Kangana's performance has been appreciated by the audience, especially women," adds Mehra.

Also see: Remember actress Tulip Joshi? She now runs a multi-crore company

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