John Abraham's "Welcome Back" has raked in fantastic collection at the Indian box office in the first weekend, but failed to beat the three day business record of "Brothers".
"Welcome Back" is a sequel to super hit movie "Welcome". It is one of the most hyped and highly-awaited Bollywood movies of 2015. The huge hype and promotion helped the film register decent amount of advance booking. The flick released in 3500 screens in the domestic market on 4 September.
The Anees Bazmee directed action comedy film opened to a decent response with its occupancy ranging between 45% and 55% in both multiplexes and single screens in the morning shows on Friday. The word of mouth took its business upwards in the afternoon and evening shows.
"Welcome Back" collected Rs 14.35 crore nett at the Indian box office on the first day of its release. The movie smashed the opening day records of "Gabbar Is Back" and "ABCD 2" and became the third biggest opener of the year after "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Brothers".
Despite bagging mixed reviews from viewers and critics, "Welcome Back" witnessed 15% growth on Saturday. On its second day, the movie collected Rs 17.05 crore nett at the Indian box office, taking its two-day total to Rs 31.40 crore nett.
"Welcome Back" had an even bigger leap on Sunday with the film showing 25% growth when compared to its opening day business. On its third day, the film is estimated to have collected Rs 19.60 crore nett at the Indian box office. Its three-day domestic total collection stands at Rs 51 crore nett.
Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, "#WelcomeBack packs a SOLID punch. Fri 14.35 cr, Sat 17.05 cr, Sun 19.60 cr. Total: ₹ 51 cr. India biz. EXTRAORDINARY!"
After "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Brothers", "Welcome Back" has become the third Bollywood movie of 2015 to cross the mark of Rs 50 crore nett in the domestic market in the opening weekend. It has also become the third highest grossing Bollywood movie in its opening weekend in this year.
Here is the list of top 10 biggest openers of 2015 and highest grossers in the opening weekend.
| Rank | Movie | Release | Day 1 | Weekend |
| 1 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | 17 July | 27.25 | 102.60 |
| 2 | Brothers | 14 Aug | 15.20 | 52.08 |
| 3 | Welcome Back | 4 Sep | 14.35 | 51.00 |
| 4 | ABCD 2 | 19 June | 14.30 | 46.00 |
| 5 | Gabbar Is Back | 1 May | 13.05 | 40.00 |
| 6 | Tanu Weds Manu Returns | 22 May | 8.85 | 38.10 |
| 7 | Dil Dhadakne Do | 5 June | 10.53 | 37.05 |
| 8 | Baby | 23 Jan | 9.30 | 35.90 |
| 9 | Phantom | 28 Aug | 8.46 | 33.18 |
| 10 | Drishyam | 31 July | 8.00 | 30.03 |
