Akshay Kumar's "Housefull 3" had a phenomenal opening, at least at the overseas box office. The comedy drama, which was panned by critics, shattered the opening day box office collection record of "Bajirao Mastani" at the UAE-GCC box office.
"Housefull 3" was released in the Gulf region on Thursday and on its opening day the film minted AED 1.2 million (Rs. 2.20 crore). According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the Akshay-starrer recorded one of the highest non-Eid opening day collection. The film also shattered the opening day box office collection of "Bajirao Mastani," starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.
"#Housefull3 - UAE + GCC - Thu: AED 1.2 mn [₹ 2.20 cr]... One of the highest non-Eid openings. Better than #BajiraoMastani AED 690k," trade analyst Adarsh tweeted.
Released in 3,700 screens in India and 670 screens overseas, "Housefull 3" opened to one of the widest releases. Looking at the screen count and advance booking status, the film is expected to have a good opening, but negative reviews from the critics might hamper the box office collection of the film.
Trade analysts have predicted a good opening day and first weekend for the film at the domestic box office. However, only the figures, which will be released on Saturday, will tell us whether the film had a good opening or not.
The film is the third instalment in the "Housefull" series and is touted as the biggest release of the franchise. Directed by Sajid-Farhad, "Housefull 3" features an ensemble cast, including Akshay, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez Abhishek Bachchan, Nargis Fakhri, Lisa Haydon, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff and Chunky Pandey.
