"'Crook' managed an average occupancy of 40 percent in the initial weekend and we are hoping it will pick up through word of mouth. However, 'Do Dooni Chaar' got over 60 percent as it stars yesteryears hit pair and they have a huge fan following in Delhi, " Jayendra Banerji, vice president (Operations) of Satyam Cineplexes, told.
Even PVR Cinemas registered over 50 percent occupancy for "Do Dooni Chaar".
"The film was much better with over 50 percent occupancy, while 'Crook' was average with close to 30 percent. The former has a very associative story for the masses and it was after a long time that the audiences got to see the hale and hearty chemistry of Neetu and Rishi Kaporo together on the big screen, " said a source from PVR cinemas.
Produced by Planman Motion Pictures and distributed by Walt Disney India, the comedy about a middle-class family and its problems is presented in a light-heated fashion by debutant director Habib Faisal. Archit Krishna and Aditi Vasudev's performance as Neetu and Rishi's kids has made it a worth watch.
The movie brought back the ever reminisced charm of the two stars of Bollywood, who once set the screen on fire with their immaculate chemistry in "Khel Khel Mein", "Dhan Daulat" and "Kabhi Kabhie".
"Crook", on the other hand, revolves round the issue of racial attacks on Indians in Australia. Produced by Mahesh Bhatt, it has been directed by Mohit Suri. It also stars debutante Neha Sharma in the female lead.
"'Do Dooni Chaar' didn't pick up on the first day but it picked up the second day onwards. It is being appreciated a lot and shows Rishi and Neetu Kapoor still have a dedicated audience. 'Crook' was okay, " said Satish Garg, director of G3S cinema in Rohini.
Amit Awasthi, senior manager (Programming and Operations) of Spice Cinemas, echoed this. He also said that the film's content is kind of attracting audiences to the theatres.
"'Crook' was ok. The subject of the movie is good but the treatment has not been satisfactory. People are not understanding the movie.
"But 'Do Dooni Chaar' had a good pick of 30 percent, 67 percent and 90 percent respectively on the first three days. Its content is good, it's getting good word of mouth publicity and family audiences are liking it a lot. It should get a second weekend, " Awasthi said.