Crushing the opening records of such mammoth hits as Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Shah Rukh Khan emerged as the new champ as his film Om Shanti Om grossed $1.5 million in just three days in America and Canada. KANK had grossed about $1.35 million over a year ago.
The new hit, which is in 117 theatres in North America, is expected to post bigger numbers from the United Kingdom. The three-day gross in North America, the United Kingdom, UAE, and Australia could easily exceed (for a Indian film) a jaw-dropping $4 million. No Hindi language film has played so wide in North America as OSO. Usually, films with big stars play in about 70 theatres.
The industry was also pleasantly surprised with the $600,000 gross for Saawariya which was in 85 theatres in North America. Despite many people grumbling that the film is too long and has a weak climax, the word of mouth for the Sanjay Leala Bhansali movie hasn't been all that bad.
Many viewers said that Saawariya, arguably the most gorgeous film ever made in Bollywood, also has a few other commendable things; newcomer Sonam Kapoor is sensuous, delightful and carries herself with dignity, Salman Khan is quite intriguing as the mysterious man in her life, and 95-year-old Zohra Segal as the lonely woman who finds love once again gives a glowing performance. Rani Mukerji cannot be ignored either. She looks fab and acts with verve.
OSO was 14th on the box office chart led by Bee Movie which grossed $26 million in its second weekend. Saawariya was at number 23 on the chart. The fast fading The Darjeeling Limited at number 20; its total gross reaching $9.8 million.
