It was billed to become a blockbuster but Agneepath is already on its way to becoming the highest nett grosser in the history of Indian cinema on its first day. Raising the bar for all the upcoming films in 2012, the Hrithik Roshan-Sanjay Dutt starrer has taken a near 100-per cent opening across India, approaching the record of Bodyguard, the highest grossing opener (first day) of all time. If there is a hitch, it’s the film’s run time, which will not allow Agneepath to have as many shows as Bodyguard did.
However, since the production house and distributors of the film anticipated this, they began increasing not only the number of shows but also the number of screens playing the film across multiplex chains in India.
In Mumbai, Hemant Shah of Tilak Enterprises says, “Agneepath has had a massive opening and is expected to cross Rs 20 crore domestically. There’s a strong chance the film might break the first-day record set by Bodyguard.”
In Gujarat, Ajay Bagbai of Rajvi Trade Link says the film has opened to nearly 100 per cent occupancy across India and will undoubtedly have astonishing numbers at the end of the day. “Agneepath will close day one at over Rs 20 crore plus nationally and Rs 1.5-2 crore in the Gujarat region. It will also break the record set by RA.One as the second-highest grosser on its opening day. It also stands a chance at breaking the record held by Bodyguard too.”
In Delhi-UP, Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts says Agneepath has taken the ticket window by storm in entire NCR belt. “The film will garner more than Rs 20 crore NBOC all-India and Rs 4 crore in our region. Due to the length of the film, it has been allotted only a few shows. Still, it will become the second-highest opener after Bodyguard. The first-day collection of Bodyguard and Agneepath will run neck-and-neck.”
In East Punjab, Surendra Saluja of Lakshya Movies adds, “Agneepath might not break Bodyguard’s record on day one but it has definitely mesmerised audiences. With a near 100-per cent opening, Agneepath will collect over Rs 20 crore all-India and Rs 70-80 lakh in East Punjab on its first day.”
In CP, Sarang Chandak of Shri Rang Films says, “Due to the film’s run time, it has been allotted only a few shows. Even though it took a mind-blowing opening, in CP the film will garner around Rs 1 crore and will cross Rs 20 crore all-India.”
In Rajasthan, Vasudev Chachan of Sunny Films feels Agneepath will not break Bodyguard’s record but it will nevertheless enjoy a very good run at the box office. “In Rajasthan, it will
close day one at Rs 50-60 lakh.”
In Nizam, Ravi Machchar of Sahyog Films remarks, “Agneepath has already broken Bodyguard’s record in the Nizam circuit. Bodyguard earned Rs 1.35 crore on its opening day and Agneepath will cross the Rs 1.4-crore mark for sure. Every show in our region is 100 per cent right now.”
In Orissa, Jeetu Khandelwal of Movie Pioneers says Agneepath is the kind of film that works in that region. “It has action and huge names attached to it. The film has become the biggest opener in this territory by collecting Rs 24 lakh on its opening day.”
In Bihar, Rakesh Singh of Maa Sona Films says, “Agneepath has surprised with its amazing opening and numbers today. The film has broken Bodyguard’s record here and is now the highest opener of all time. Bodyguard collected Rs 65 lakh and Agneepath will definitely cross Rs 70 lakh today. Its opening was 10 to 20 per cent better than that of Bodyguard.”
In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez says that due to the release of two major regional movies, Agneepath could not be allotted more screens. “It is therefore unlikely to trounce the record held by Bodyguard. Agneepath has released at only 115 screens and expected to cross Rs 1 core. Bodyguard was released in 250 screens and collected Rs 1.27 on its first day.”
