A slew of Hindi films hit the marquee last Friday, but 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2' has overshadowed its small-budget rivals and set the box office coffers ringing. With a collection of Rs 22.75 crore in its opening weekend, the rom-com has surpassed the lifetime theatrical business (Rs 12 crore) of its first part, which had proved to be a sleeper hit in 2011.
Contrary to expectations, the India vs South Africa cricket match on Sunday did not affect the film's run - in fact, footfall in theatres that day was higher than what was recorded on the first two days of its release. "'Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2' made an impressive start (Rs 6.80 crore), garnering an overwhelming response from the youth.
The collections rose steadily over the weekend (Rs 7.60 crore on Saturday and R8.35 crore on Sunday). The entire cost of the film is likely to be recovered by the first week," says trade analyst Amod Mehra.
Terming the sequel's box office performance as outstanding, trade expert Taran Adarsh says, "The film, which released on 1400 screens across the country, got off to a flying start. The audience just lapped it up."
The film slowed down the previous weeks' releases. Trade sources reveal that the combined collections of 'Jazbaa', 'Singh Is Bliing' and 'Talvar' over the weekend was less than Rs 1.5 crore.
The other prominent release last week, 'Wedding Pullav', was a non-starter from the first show itself, suggests Mehra, adding, "It will be difficult for the film to complete a full week's run in most theatres. The other smaller films, too, had a tough time surviving the weekend."
BO stats
Rs 22.75crore
'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' (opening weekend)
Rs 8.51crore
'Jazbaa' (week two; overall: Rs 23.75 crore)
Rs 5.65crore
'Talvar' (week 3; overall: Rs 28.20 crore)
