Mohit Suri's directorial film "Ek Villain" has become a hit within three days of its release worldwide. The action thriller starring Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh has crossed the ₹50 crore mark in its opening weekend itself.
"Ek Villian" opening weekend total is the second highest after Salman Khan's "Jai Ho," which earned ₹ 60.68 crore. Despite releasing in lesser number of screens, the action thriller had a solid opening weekend total.
The word of mouth is so strong, that the film broke records of several other films released this year starring Bollywood big stars.
Films starring Bollywood biggies including Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan and Ranveer Singh has failed to touch the half century mark, but "Ek Villain" achieved the feat in just three days.
#EkVillain Fri 16.72 cr, Sat 16.54 cr, Sun 17.44 cr. Total: ₹ 50.70 cr nett. India biz. MONSTROUS HIT!
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 30, 2014
Deshmukh, who plays a negative role for the first time, has stolen the limelight from other actors. While the film as well the actor's performance garnered positive reviews, Deshmukh was initially worried about the film's fate at the box office.
Deshmukh's "Humshakals" was released just a week before "Ek Villain" and took a flying start at the box office despite negative reviews. Deshmukh felt that the comedy film would affect the business of "Ek Villain".
"It ('Humshakals') released last week and critically it was not well received as much as we had hoped for. But people want to watch the film and have fun. With 'Ek Villain' I am hoping for both critical and popular acceptance," Deshmukh told Press Trust of India in an interview.
"It is not a good thing for me. I wouldn't have been worried if any movie had released which did not feature me. I know the producers have taken the right call but I will be hurt in the crossfire. But it's fine I'm still okay with it because they are of entirely different genres," he added.
But much to the actor's surprise "Ek Villain" is rocking at the domestic as well as overseas box office.
Below are the top opening weekend total of the films released this year:
Jai Ho: ₹60.68 Crore
Ek Villain: ₹50.70 Crore
Gunday: ₹43.93 Crore
Holiday- A Soldier Is Never Off Duty: ₹41.32 Crore
Humshakals: ₹40.13 Crore
2 States: ₹38.06 Crore