AUG 14- Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Chennai Express” has climbed up the popularity chart in the United States and is ranked at 13th spot in the very first weekend.
Released in 196 theaters across the United States, “Chennai Express” collected USD 2,416,513 (about Rs.1.4 crores), in the first four days of its release, BoxOfficeMojo reported Monday, adding that it collected USD 2,220 in the first weekend.
BoxOfficeMojo, keeps tracks of all major movie releases in the US, according to which the film was ranked at 13th spot on the popularity chart, which was topped by Elysium with USD 29.8 million collection, followed by “We are the Millers” (USD26.4 million) and “Planes” (USD22.2 million).
Chennai Express smashed known-records at the box office, with collections crossing the Rs.100-crore mark within first four days of its release (including previews on Thursday).
Also starring Deepika Padukone, the action comedy entertainer was made at a budget of Rs.70 crore.
A tale of a north Indian man, who falls in love with the daughter of a don down south, ‘Chennai Express’ was heavily promoted by its cast and director across all quarters. It managed roaring business not just nationally, but also on foreign shores via paid previews, and on its opening day.
The Shetty-directed film released on Eid-ul-Fitr and cashed in on the extended weekend.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh called Chennai Express’ opening collections a “monstrous weekend”. He tweeted: “‘Chennai Express’ Thursday previews (earned) Rs.6.75 crore, Friday (opening day) Rs.33.12 crore, Saturday Rs.28.05 crore, Sunday Rs.32.50 crore. Total Rs.100.42 crore nett. Monstrous weekend… India business only.”
Despite receiving such an overwhelming response, celebrities haven’t stopped promoting the film, which is co-produced by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment and UTV Motion Pictures.
While Shah Rukh himself joined some audience members in a Mumbai theatre on Sunday to experience their laughter, Miss Asia Pacific World 2012 Himangini Singh and Femina Miss India 2013 finalist Akshitaa Agnihotri are participating in a charity programme in Kathmandu on Monday where ‘Chennai Express’ will be screened. The funds raised by it will be donated to flood victims in Nepal through Mumbai-based NGO Project Crayon.
INDIA TODAY
