Dabangg witnesses record-breaking opening

As expected and predicted by this writer time and again, Dabangg opened to an earth-shattering and record-breaking response across the country. The film drew full houses from its first show onwards everywhere. Even at multiplexes, where ceetees and taalis are a rarity, the response to Dabangg was overwhelming, with fans clapping and whsitling at Salman"s intro, Salman"s dialogue (at several places) and of course, the climax fight.

Dabangg, staring Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, has opened in 1,584 screens in India and in terms of numbers, the film is expected to have a bigger Friday than Raajneeti (the biggest opener of 2010, which collected Rs. 10.5 cr. nett on Friday) and should be at par (or bigger) than 3 Idiots, which is the biggest opener ever (collected Rs. 13 cr. nett on Friday). Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, so once can imagine the (grand) business on not just Saturday and Sunday, but also Monday. As per initial trends, Dabangg will be competing with just one film – 3 Idiots. Top 5 opening Fridays:

3 Idiots Rs. 13 cr.

Raajneeti Rs. 10.5 cr.

Kites Rs. 10.5 cr.

Housefull Rs. 10 cr.

Ghajini Rs. 9 cr. Top Five 3-day opening weekends:

3 Idiots Rs. 41 cr. (incl. Thursday Previews)

Raajneeti Rs. 34 cr.

My Name Is Khan Rs. 33.2 cr.

House Full Rs. 32 cr.

Ghajini Rs. 30 Cr. (4-Day Wknd. Was Rs. 40 cr.)