Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Wazir" opened to rave reviews, but the film had an average start at the domestic box office. "Wazir", directed by Bejoy Nambiar, minted only Rs 5.57 crore on opening day from the domestic box office.
"Wazir", which is the first film of 2016, had a slow start on Friday. The business only increased at multiplexes in the evening and night shows, after positive reviews came out, but the overall opening day occupancy remained average in India.
However, same was not the case at the overseas box office. "Wazir" opened to good occupancy at the overseas box office on day one, collecting Rs 4.07 crore. The film raked in $120,000 (Rs 80.04 lakh) from just the UAE box office.
"#Wazir Fri ₹ 5.57 cr. India biz. Picked up at premium plexes. Sat and Sun biz crucial... Overseas: ₹ 4.07 cr," trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, adding, "#Wazir collects $ 120,000 [₹ 80.04 lacs] on Thu in UAE. GCC numbers not included."
Talking about India's trade buzz, "Wazir" performed best in Mumbai and Pune circuits, while National Capital Region and UP were among the best contributors. Mumbai circuit contributed approximately Rs 1.75 crore, Delhi / UP Rs 1.20 crore, East Punjab Rs 64 lakhs and Mysore Rs 30 lakhs, according to Box Office India.
The film now needs a good push at the box office to put up a decent show in its opening weekend. There is no big release until 22 January and among the previous releases it is only Ranveer Singh's "Bajirao Mastani" that can give competition to "Wazir". Hence, the Farhan starrer has a clear advantage at the box office to gain good occupancy.
On the other hand, animated comedy-adventure series "Chhota Bheem", which was released in just 500 screens, grossed around Rs 30-35 lakhs nett on its opening day.
