With only two films having made their way into the 100-crore club this year so far, all eyes are on the box-office collections of Bajrangi Bhaijaan starring Salman Khan, one of the most bankable stars in the industry today. Nearly 5000 screens have been allotted to the Kabir Khan film across the country and on the first day, most theatres witnessed 90-95 per cent occupancy.
An industry source says, “In several big and small cities, the film ran to full houses throughout the day while in Mumbai, popular cinemas recorded good sale of tickets. The fact that Salman managed to get a solo release is a huge advantage. It has even recorded the highest number of advance bookings with tickets for first three days almost sold out in many places. Moreover, it has received positive reviews and is being recommended for a family watch, which will attract more people to the theatres.”
Cashing in on the Sal-mania, exhibitors are said to have increased ticket rates — regular ones that cost R110-R150 in a suburban multiplex in Mumbai have been revised to R250-300. The price for a gold class seat varies between Rs 750 and Rs 900 in the city instead of Rs 500. The scenario is more or less the same in other major cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore, etc. Reportedly, in a few Delhi theatres, tickets were sold in black for as much as thrice the actual cost.