It does not always take a big actor to rake in big bucks at the box office. Encouraging collections of women-centric films have proved that actresses, too, carry a film completely on their shoulders. Like the Anushka Sharma-starrer 'NH10', which has grossed Rs 13 crore in the opening weekend, despite being A-rated.

Exhibitor Rajesh Thadani says, "Bollywood girls are managing well at the box office with a decent opening for their films. The first-day business of 'NH10' was about Rs 3.25 crore, while for 'Mary Kom' it was Rs 7 crore and for 'Ragini MMS 2' Rs 8 crore."

Trade analysts feel good content and a sensible budget result in good business for such films. Taran Adarsh says, "Contrary to popular myth that women-oriented, dark and adult films don't really work with the audience, 'NH10' and even 'Badlapur' for that matter garnered good numbers. It is a healthy trend."

Some recent women-centric films which opened to impressive numbers in the first weekend are 'Bobby Jasoos' (Rs 7 crore), 'Queen' (Rs 10 crore), 'Mary Kom' (Rs 28 crore) and 'Mardaani' (Rs 14 crore).


Vishal Anand of Fun Cinemas feels that good content always drives a film's business, whether the hero is a man or a woman. He says, "It all started with 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani', and is continuing, but it is the content that makes a difference. Incidentally, some of the films with female leads have managed to pull it off."

'NH10' took a slow start at the box office on Friday, but the business grew the very next day, in spite of the India-Zimbabwe World Cup match.

Amod Mehra says, "'NH10' is a dark violent film made for the niche audience succeeded in drawing crowds. Though the main protagonist is a woman, this hard hitting film did not cater to the weak-hearted. So as expected, the opening was average on Friday and managed respectabilty by Sunday. As the film has no competition this week, it is expected to do further well."