PK will have almost 1,100-1,200 shows in the first weekend and 2,590 shows in week-1. This is higher than some of the highest grossing Hollywood movies like James Cameron’s Avatar, which released in 60-65 screens in the territory.
The Middle East has been a strong market for the Khans of Bollywood and this film will see release in 74 screens on Friday. The Netherlands has come into focus for PK given that there are 5,00,000 Surinamese, most having Bhojpuri as their mother tongue. PK will be the widest ever release internationally for an Indian movie in markets like the Middle East, North America, the UK and The Netherlands,” says Amrita Pandey, vice-president and head, marketing & distribution, studios, Disney India. The movie is being subtitled in 10 languages worldwide for a day and date release. “We are focused on making PK reach out to as many fans worldwide as possible.
Earlier this year, Shah Rukh Khan’s Happy New Year was released in 1000 screens abroad, according to industry estimates. PK is set to be one of the widest Indian film release overseas for day and date territories, releasing in 844 screens across more than 40 countries.
When it comes to the international day and date release, the studio has ensured an expansive launch. The team of Hirani, Khan and Vidhu Vinod Chopra has the success of 3 Idiots to its name and, thus, expectations are very high.” International reach Much like his earlier movies, Raj Kumar Hirani’s new venture, too, seems to be in for good collections. Shaaminder Malik, an independent exhibitor in North India and box office analyst, says, “The movie is likely to have a slow and steady business that will sustain beyond just the first weekend. This is evident from the excellent advance booking at counter sales, and block bookings by corporates, even in tier-2 multiplex and single-screen theaters, are very good.”Īnalysts agree PK could be a good way to end the year, considering 2014 had quite a few disappointments. Suniel Wadhwa, independent distributor and box office analyst, says, “The movie has generated tremendous interest. PK is much-awaited movie of the year and the word of mouth is positive we expect the movie will do more business in the second week as well.” PK is shorter in length than Kick and Happy New Year, and, hence, we can pack more shows as well!” PVR currently operates 454 screens across the country.ĭevang Sampat, business head-strategy, Cinépolis India, says, “With 110 screens of Cinepolis, we have been running approx 500 shows a day. Advance booking for film is almost double that of Kick and nearly 50 per cent of Dhoom 3. We at PVR will be screening the film in 80 per cent of our total screens, which translates to 4, 25,000 seats. Kamal Gianchandan, chief operating officer, PVR, says, “The movie has all the ingredients to be a huge success. While it may not be the most widely distributed movie, UTV - the studio which also distributed and co-produced movies like Kick, 2 States and Heropanti this year -believes all the important territories in India and abroad have been covered. PK is being released in nearly 4,844 screens worldwide with 4,000 in India and 844 overseas. It is co-produced by Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra in association with UTV Motion Pictures, the studio being responsible for the distribution and promotion of the film as well. The film is directed by Raj Kumar Hirani and includes Sanjay Dutt and Anushka Sharma in pivotal roles. Industry estimates peg the first-day worldwide collection at Rs 35 to 40 crore net. Early trade reports suggest the movie’s occupancy touched 80 per cent for the first couple of shows and was expected to increase for shows towards the later part of the day.
Aamir Khan-starrer PK did not disappoint as it opened to nearly packed houses across the country.