Sonakshi Sinha's "Akira" has been met with mostly positive reviews by critics, but that hasn't quite reflected in the film's early business reports. It has opened to 15-20 percent occupancy across most domestic circuits.
While the day 1 domestic box office collection of "Akira" ranges somewhere between Rs. 2-3 crore, it has done exceptionally well in the international circuits. The action-thriller has scored better than Sonam Kapoor's "Neerja." "Akira" has collected Rs. 92.91 lakh at the overseas box office.
Taran Adarsh tweeted: #Akira opens well in UAE-GCC... Thu $ 139,000 [₹ 92.91 lacs]... Better start than #Neerja [$ 135,000]."
Fox Star Hindi posted: #Akira – opens to the highest day one GBO for a women centric action film in UAE and Gulf markets - $139,000.
Even though it has opened well in the overseas circuits, trade analysts are undecided in their opinion of the box office fate of Sonakshi's "Akira."
While some are certain that the film will pick up over the weekend and will put up a good opening weekend total, courtesy the partial holiday (Ganesh Chaturthi), rest have mostly shot the film down.
A producer told Bollywood Hungama that "Akira" may face stiff competition from Jackie Chan's "Skiptrace," which too is high on action. Also, the fact that there's hardly any buzz around the film may work against it.
However, "Akira" doesn't need much to break even and will probably recover all of its production cost in the opening weekend itself. The Sonakshi-starrer was made on a modest budget of Rs. 30 crore, of which Rs. 15.50 crore has been earned through the sale of its satellite and music rights.
A quick look at the positives
Sonakshi has always played a second fiddle to larger-than-life characters played by Bollywood's superstar and has never been seen as a toughie. "Akira" gives her the opportunity to break certain stereotypes and redirect her career to a new and improved route.
Meanwhile, "A Flying Jatt" is crawling, "Rustom" is nearing the end of its run at the domestic box office, and "Happy Bhaag Jayegi" is steady but shows are limited. All this and an extended weekend will definitely boost the worldwide box office collection of "Akira."
