Imtiaz Ali's directorial film "Highway" started on a slow note with morning shows, but the film picked up later in the evening and night shows.
The Bollywood drama film features Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda in the lead role. "Highway" was released in limited number of screens i.e. 700 screens in India.
The ticket prices of the film are low compared to other major movies released in the past.
Also, "Highway" was released along with two other films "Darr @ The Mall" and "Dee Saturday Night".
Keeping in mind the screen count, the film fared quite well at domestic box office on opening day.
As per early estimates, the film raked in ₹3.75 crore from first day.
The film did well in circuits particularly in multiplexes. Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgoan and Bangalore had contributed the highest collections in India.
The film had opened to rave reviews from critics, film industry members and audiences. The positive word of mouth is expected to boost the box office collection during the weekend.
Although, released with two other films "Highway" managed to dominate the screens in India.
"Meanwhile, last week's GUNDAY and HIGHWAY are expected to lead the BO this weekend. While the biz of GUNDAY has slowed down considerably, the film is expected to pose competition to HIGHWAY outside metros," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.
Alia Bhatt has impressed critics with her acting in her second film "Highway". Alia's father and sister have praised her for her acting and Javed Akhtar too lauded the young actress by comparing her to legendary actresses in India.
"#Highway heralds Alia Bhatt's birth as an actor... Need I say more?" actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt tweeted.
"Milestones -Nargis in Mother India Meena kumari in saheb bibi.. Nutan in BANDANI Shabana in Arth and now Alia Bhatt in Highway," Javed Akhtar tweeted.
"Thank you Imtiaz Ali for making Alia 'live' the role of her life time. The women of our country will empathise with this heartfelt tale," Mahesh Bhatt tweeted.
