Despite mixed reviews, Raajneeti, the Prakash Jha-directed political thriller, earned a whopping Rs 10.50 crore (Rs 105 million) on its opening day, June 4.
The film, which reportedly cost Rs 55 crore (Rs 550 million) to make and promote, has been particularly well received in urban centres and across North India, with occupancies above 80%.
UTV, which co-produced the film with Jha, says Raajneeti has recorded the second highest-opening ever, after 3 Idiots, which grossed Rs 13 crore (Rs 130 million) on its opening day, December 25, 2009.
Fellow 2010 releases Kites (Rs 10 crore/Rs 100 million) and Housefull (Rs 9 crore/Rs 90 million) follow Raajneeti at numbers three and four, for the biggest ever first-day collections. 2008's Ghajini is number five (Rs 9 crore).
Image: Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in Raajneeti.
