"Happy New Year", which also stars Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood and Vivaan Shah, had a "bumper opening", says a trade analyst.
Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines told IANS: "It had bumper opening. The occupancy was 80 percent at most places. The opening weekend collection will be really good because of holiday. Let's see if it will be able to maintain the figures Monday onwards."
Produced by Shah Rukh's Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the Farah Khan directorial is a heist drama and the team was seen travelling from city to city to promote the film.
"Loved and enjoyed HNY' at the dubai grand premiere and a fun after party @TheFarahKhan @iamsrk @deepikapadukone @juniorbachchan," ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra tweeted.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta said that it is a "definite earner".
"It will make money for everybody. The movie got great opening all over the country. It is one of the best openings ever," he added.
Another trade expert Amod Mehra called it "superhit".
"Indiawale finally decide who is the Khan of Khans.. FARHA KHAN.. Superhit..," he added.
Multiplexes too are overwhelmed with the footfall.
" 'Happy New Year' has taken a cracker of an opening. The fact that it's the solo release of the week has added to the fun. This could well be the film that will take the highest opening ever," said Ashish Saksena, COO Big Cinemas.
Anant Verma, director and business head DT Cinemas, is delighted with the "exceptional advance bookings" despite the Diwali rush.
"The reviews and patron feedback is also encouraging. I am quite hopeful that we are looking at one of the biggest earners till date," he added
