Films like Fashion, The Dirty Picture, No One Killed Jessica and Kahaani introduced a subtle but fundamental change in Hindi cinema and have proved that you don’t need a strong male lead for a film to succeed. Yes, women-oriented films are gaining acceptance in India and Heroine is no exception.

Today, the film opened to a mixed response at the domestic box office. In this film, Bhandarkar, known for his realistic story lines, has focused on the rise and fall of an actress. And even if the film’s opening was ‘just good’, tradewallahs believe the film will pick up during the evening shows followed by a good run during the weekend.

In Mumbai, Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines says, “The opening of Heroine in Mumbai is around 40-50 per cent and 50-60 per cent all-India. The reports are not exceptional but the film is expected to bring in better numbers during the weekend.”

In East Punjab, Swaraj Pal Singh Siddhu of Sunny Moviez adds, “Heroine has mixed reports and the opening is 30-35 per cent. The film looks a lot likeMadhur Bhandarkar’s previous film Fashion. In our territory, ticket rates of Heroine are comparable to those of Ek Tha Tiger. The film will gain momentum during the weekend.”

In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez says Heroine opened to 40 per cent in West Bengal. “It is a film for the multiplex audience. Kareena’s acting is the highlight of the film. This is no doubt her best work so far.”

Sarang Chandak of Shri Rang Films says the opening of Heroine in CP was the same – 40 per cent. “The film has received a mixed response but we expect a rise in collections during the weekend.”

Ditto in Rajasthan, where Gaurav Gaur of O’Real Imaginations concludes, “The opening of Heroine is around 40 per cent. The audience response is mixed.”