Imtiaz Ali's film, 'Highway', that stars Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, collected Rs 14 crore in the first weekend of its release.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, "Aimed at high-end multiplexes in metros across the country, Highway has reached out to its target audience already. UTV has released the film in only 800 cinemas and this is a smart strategy."
Ali Abbas Zafar's 'Gunday', on the other hand, has grossed Rs 82 crore. Adarsh says, "Factoring in its overseas collections, the film is expected to cross the Rs 100 crore mark."
Exhibitors believe that Highway is meant for select audiences. Exhibitor Rajesh Thadani says, "'Highway' had a slow start but it picked up in the weekend. It is meant for select audiences and is not a commercial film, like Imtiaz Ali's other films. It should make Rs 20-22 crore in the first week."
Word of mouth publicity seems to have worked for 'Highway', say distributors.
Sanjay Dalia, President of Cinemax Cinemas, says, "The footfall at our theatres was higher on Monday when compared to Friday. The film's positive reviews have added to its collections. It may continue to do well but we will know more about this in the coming weeks."
