The first weekend of March was disappointing for films at the box office. The total collection of all three films - 'Queen', 'Gulaab Gang' and 'Total Siyappa' - has not crossed the Rs 25 crore mark. Of the three films, it is the Kangna Ranaut starrer that has raked in a decent amount of moolah. The film's first weekend collection has just crossed Rs 10 crore.
Kangna Ranaut has been universally praised for 'Queen'
Exhibitor Rajesh Thadani says, "'Queen' has fared well, but it has not met box office expectations. 'Gulaab Gang' was a big disappointment given the fact that it has Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla starring in it. 'Total Siyappa' just collected around Rs 3.75 crore in the first weekend."
On Friday, 'Gulaab Gang's collection was higher than that of 'Queen', but the latter overtook the former on the second day. Vishal Anand of Fun Cinemas says, "Positive reviews and word of mouth have immensely helped 'Queen'. Saturday and Sunday saw more than a 50 per cent jump in its collections. This week, 'Queen' should do better than all other films."
Trade analyst Atul Mohan says that the two films would have perhaps fared better if they hadn't released on the same day. "Both the films ate into each other's business. One will have to wait and see if they do better this week."
Meanwhile, Amod Mehra points out that 'Queen's earnings have been adversely affected by the ongoing exam season. "Also, of the two films, 'Gulaab Gang' cost more to make, so looks like it is going to take a bigger beating at the box office," he says.
