US box office collection: 'Babu Bangaram' fails to halt 'Pelli Choopulu' dream run in its third weekend

Venkatesh's "Babu Bangaram," which was released in theatres on Aug. 12, has failed to halt the collection of two-week-old movie "Pelli Choopulu" at the U.S. box office.

Blue Sky Cinemas, which has acquired the overseas distribution rights of "Babu Bangaram," held the premiere of the film in around 100 screens across North America on Thursday night. The movie got a superb response everywhere and grossed approximately $177,045 from 97 screens at the U.S. box office in the premiere shows. The film garnered mixed talk from the audience in the paid previews.

The Venkatesh and Nayanthara-starrer was expected to do even better on its opening, but the word of mouth took a toll on its collection. "Babu Bangaram" has collected approximately $76,350 at the U.S. box office on the first day, taking its total to $253,395. Idlebrain Jeevi tweeted: "#BabuBangaram collections slow down drastically and collects $253,395 after Friday in USA! "

"Pelli Choopulu" got a good opening and collected a total of $465,726 from 50 screens at the U.S. box office in the first week. The movie maintained rock-steady and raked in approximately $347,316 in the country in its second week, taking its 14-day U.S. total collection to $813,042.

Freeze Frame Films LLC has forayed into Telugu movie distribution in overseas market with this new age Rom-Com. After seeing the craze for "Pelli Choopulu," the distribution house has increased shows as well as screen in over 10 locations. Midwest Movies tweeted: "We have added additional shows for #Pellichoopulu for the weekend and continue on next week everyday."

Apart from an increase in its screen count, the Vijay Devarakonda, Ritu Varma, Nandu-starrer was also benefited by the mixed talk garnered by "Babu Bangaram" in the premieres. "Pelli Choopulu" fared well and was a huge drop in its third Friday collection, when compared to its business on its first and second Fridays.

"Pelli Choopulu" has collected $21,986 at the U.S. box office on its third Friday and its 15-day U.S. total collection stood at $835,028. The film is cruising towards $1 million mark. Taran Adarsh tweeted: "Telugu film #Pellichoopulu is heading towards $ 1 million in USA... [Week 3] Fri $ 21,986. Total: $ 835,028 [₹ 5.59 cr]. FAB! @Rentrak."