Salman Khan seems to have the box-office in a chinlock.

Going by the Wednesday opening of his wrestling drama Sultan , Salman Khan appears set to break his own record for the third movie in a row. Analysts and multiplex players believe Wednesday could end up becoming the biggest opening day for a film at the box-office so far this year, despite it being a working day.

Independent distributor and box-office analyst, Suniel Wadhwa says this Yash Raj Films movie will not only beat the actor’s earlier Id release record of Ek Tha Tiger (₹32.93 crore net box office Day 1 collection), but also surpass the ₹34 crore his Diwali release Prem Ratan Dhan Payo raked in.

“With a likely haul of ₹37-40 crore, it can certainly qualify for the highest opening day grosser,” he added.

Released across some 4,800 screens, Sultan could rake in as much as ₹150 crore in the first five days, said trade analyst Amod Mehra. The sports-drama has been released in Hindi, and also dubbed in Tamil and Telugu.

PV Sunil, CEO and Director at Carnival Cinemas, said: “We are seeing 88-89 per cent occupancy and expect it to be sold out for the next two-three days as advance bookings are excellent.”

Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas, said that a movie releasing on a festival occasion gives it a “pre-decided good opening.”

Salman Khan and Id have now almost become synonymous. Wanted, Dabangg, Bodyguard, Ek Tha Tiger, Kick and Bajrangi Bhaijaan are the previous big Id releases that sent the box-office ringing.

Related Topics