Singham Returns Opens Strongly at Box Office

Ajay Devgn-starrer 'Singham Returns' emerged as the biggest opener of 2014 so far with an estimated first-day collections of Rs 30 crore, trade analyst Taran Adarsh said on Twitter.

"t's (sic) time to start the day with SUPER news. #SinghamReturns starts with a big roar. Collects Rs 30 cr [+/-] on Fri, as per *early trends*," Mr Adarsh said on micro-blogging site Twitter on Saturday morning.

Singham Returns has surpassed the opening-day collections of Salman Khan's 'Kick', which recorded an estimated Rs 26 crore on its first day, as per Bollywood website Koimoi.com.

The second instalment of Singham, in which the protogonist Bajirao Singham (Devgn) relocates from a small hamlet to the metropolis of Mumbai, opened on August 15 across over 4,000 screens worldwide.

"#SinghamReturns overtakes #Kick [Rs 26.40 cr; pre-Eid] and emerges BIGGEST OPENER OF 2014 [so far]. Early trends," the analyst said in another Tweet.

Released on July 25, Kick has so far grossed an estimated Rs. 227.65 crore, as per Koimoi.com.

Other releases such as Ek Villain, Holiday, 2 States and Jai Ho have grossed over 100 crore at the box office.

Singham Returns's box office collection is also expected to be boosted by the long weekend. With Independence Day on Friday (Singham Returns's release date) and Janmashtami on Monday, this weekend could mean a four-day holiday for many.

The Ajay Devgn-starrer's release comes at a time when the Bollywood has so far had a good year in 2014.

Singham Returns is directed by Rohit Shetty, who has delivered hits like Golmaal series, Singham, Bol Bachchan and Chennai Express.

Director Rohit Shetty had earlier told PTI in an interview that he does not want to make a serious offbeat film as he is 'happy making people laugh'.

"No director wants to make a flop film. Also, it is not necessary that all commercial will do well. I should feel like doing something different from within, as of now, I don't like making an offbeat film. I am happy making people laugh," he had said.

"Today, you have Rs 100 crore club instead of silver and golden jubilee. Box office has always been very important for directors."

(With agency inputs)