Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial venture "Gunday" is expected to become the top opening day grosser of the year with a strong occupancy in theaters.
The action thriller kick-started on a flying note in theaters across India. At several circuits the shows are going housefull.
The film has received good occupancy at multiplexes as well as single screens theaters in India. The film was expected to fetch a good start due to Valentine's Day, and the response is also phenomenal.
Although not a romantic film, "Gunday" has received positive response from audiences at the box office. Due to Valentine's Day, young couples are coming to theatres to celebrate the special day eventually boosting the earnings.
"The start has been super not just at single screens but also at multiplexes, which have caught a section of the industry by surprise, since masala films, generally, don't open too well at plexes," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.
The film which has Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan Khan playing the lead roles is likely to beat the opening day record of "Jai Ho" which is top first day grosser film of the year.
Released in just 2,800 screens in India, the occupancy of "Gunday" is same as "Jai Ho" opening day occupancy. "Gunday" screen count is lower than "Jai Ho", but to have the similar occupancy as Salman Khan's film is an achievement.
"Gunday" is expected to continue going at this pace as the day progressed, but the weekend collection is crucial for the film. If it maintains the momentum over the weekend and weekdays than it could turn out to be one of the biggest grossers of the year.
Produced under the Yash Raj banner, the film also features two child artistes Darshan Gurjar and Jayesh V. Kardak who plays the roles of young Ranveer and Arjun respectively.
Check out the critics' review of "Gunday" here.
