While discussing the prospects of Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara at the box office, numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicted that unlike the first part, the essence and the flavour might be missing in the second and hence the film may not live up to its hype. And Sangghvi’s prediction has come true – the Akshay Kumar-Imran Khan-Sonakshi Sinha starrer has failed to live up to massive expectations and minted only Rs 39.50 crores nett at the box office so far.
B-town trade experts expected the Ekta Kapoor production to earn a minimum of Rs 60-80 crores in the first weekend, considering Akshay Kumar’s star power and good marketing buzz, but the Shahrukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer Chennai Express – which has done phenomenally well in its second week – played spoilsport for OUATIMD.
According to Box Office India, “The problem for OUATIMD was that its first day remained the best day despite the release being much smaller. The film collected well on the holiday but it was totally downhill after that and even Sunday not giving the film much of a lift.”
Exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi said, “OUATIMD has opened to a bit of both box office rewards and critical acclaim over the weekend gone by. It may not be the best opener for Akshay Kumar, but it’s started on a steady wicket considering the rather aggressive opposition of Chennai Express, which is still running on full steam! It will be crucial for the film to hold its ground today, which would ensure that it sails smooth into the safe waters.”
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, “Despite the film being a sequel of a smash hit, OUATIMDhas failed to live up to the massive expectations since the word of mouth is far from positive as well as the roadblock from Chennai Express. The film started off well on Thursday – paid previews, but was lower than Thursday on the remaining days – Friday to Sunday.”
The Rohit Shetty directed romcom Chennai Express is creating new records with each passing day and even in its second week, the entertainer has grossed around Rs 181.93 crores. “CE continued its victorious march. Although the business declined on Friday due to reduction in screen space and shows, besides a new release, the business gained momentum on Saturday and Sunday once again. A blockbuster!” tweeted Adarsh.
We hope the Shahrukh-Akshay Eid war has come to an end now, what with the Baadshahestablished his supremacy at the box office once again with CE, while Khiladi’s OUATIMD is still struggling to reach the enviable figure.