Packed with nonstop nonsense, 'Welcome Back' may have received poor to middling reviews, but its opening weekend collections have proved that the makers are laughing all the way to the bank.
At nearly Rs 51 crore, the comedy caper has recorded the second highest opening weekend business this year after 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'.
It was estimated that the multi-starrer would rake in about Rs 12 crore on the day of its release. However, it surpassed all expectations and went on to collect Rs 14.35 on day one, thereby becoming the third highest opener of 2015 after 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' (Rs 102.60 crore) and 'Brothers' (Rs 52.08 crore). Trade analyst Amod Mehra says, "The film consolidated its position on Saturday with a slight increase in business and by Sunday, enjoyed bumper collections. This no-brainer, laugh riot is this year's first comedy success and is now set to be declared a hit."
Apart from crossing the half-century mark in India, 'Welcome Back' is said to be going great guns in the overseas market as well. In Pakistan and the US, the film has reportedly made Rs 3.4 crore and Rs 21.37 crore, respectively. Trade expert Taran Adarsh terms the numbers as "extraordinary" and "rocking". "The masses are loving the film. It opened on 3200 screens and is doing exceptionally well. So much so that the business of last week's release, 'Phantom' has been drastically affected," adds Adarsh.
Kabir Khan's 'Phantom' starring Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif slowed down in the week days, making a little over Rs 14 crore despite no competition. Over the weekend, it struggled to find takers.
BO stats
Rs 51crore
'Welcome Back' (opening weekend)
Rs 14.27crore
'Phantom' (week two; overall: Rs 47.50 crore)
