After extensive promotional activities and the alluring charm of Shah Rukh Khan, the five-day long weekend seems to be perfect setting to release "RA.One". The sci-fi film is coming on Diwali Wednesday and the cash registers are already ringing thanks to advance bookings.

"Phenomenal", Gautam Dutta, COO of PVR told, adding: "The enthusiasm among people for the film is massive and the five-day long weekend is a bonus for everyone. So, it's a win-win situation for everyone."

Describing it as his most ambitious project, Shah Rukh has been on a multi-city tour and travelled all over India, from Chennai to Jaipur, from Bhopal to Bangalore and from Kolkata to Delhi to promote this film and reach out to his fans.

According to Shah Rukh, the idea of the whirlwind tour was to "inform" people about the film so that they know what to expect when they come to the cinema halls.

It seems the idea has worked well.

Sunil, deputy manager of Jaipur's Golcha cinema, says that people are counting the days to watch their favourite star on the big screen after almost two years. His last movie was "My Name Is Khan", which came at the beginning of 2010.

"People here just want to get that one glimpse of Shah Rukh. People are crazy about him, so much so that if the movie is released today, it will go houseful in no time," Sunil told.

Looking at the pre-release histeria that the film has created, Sunil plans to add more shows.

"Usually we run four shows a day, but we have plans to run five shows a day for 'RA.One'," he added.

Directed by Anubhav Sinha "RA.One", which also stars Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, is made at a budget of about Rs.150 crore and boasts of world class special effects and graphics.

The festive mood seems to have added extra enthusiasm among people.

"We have already done advance booking of 25 percent. People are buying till Friday. Looking at the response, we are expecting the film to do well," said Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas.

"And it's not just promotion, the magic of Shah Rukh and beauty of Kareena Kapoor is attracting the crowds. Also, one can't ignore the festive mood. The film is releasing on such a date they everyone is in a holiday mood.

"People have money to spend during festivals and so they don't mind spending on movies as well," he added.

The promos have generated enough curiosity among people to watch this superhero film in which Shah Rukh is playing G.One or Jeevan, while Arjun Rampal plays the evil character of RA.One.

The enthusiasm of people is evident in Chandigarh too where fans have been enquiring about advance booking for the past two weeks.

"We opened the advance booking for the film Sunday and so far we have managed to sell 100-150 tickets. People have been asking about the film for the past two weeks. And the holidays and extended weekend is 'sone pe suhaga' (icing on the cake) for the film," said Sucha Singh, customer relationship executive of Neelam Cinema.

The advance booking scene is equally encouraging in cities like Bangalore and Indore.

"The movie has generated curiosity among people, they want to see their favourite star in a superhero avatar. Also, a lot has been said about the special effects so they want to see that as well," said Narendra Yadav, customer relationship executive, Inox Indore.

Shruti Nanjegowda, customer relationship executive, Inox Bangalore added: "The magic of Shah Rukh Khan is gripping the nation. It's 'RA.One' everywhere. Advance bookings are fast filling. Now it's time to count the hours to let the superhero do all the talking."