Despite all the trashing, 'Ra.One' fetches Rs62.5 crore in two days

Despite being panned by critics and many cinegoers, Ra.One collected Rs62.5 crore in the domestic and international markets in the first two days since its release. Trade experts say the collective box-office figures will cross the Rs100-crore mark over the weekend.

Nearly full theatres
With a production and marketing cost of Rs150 crore, it was released across India in more than 3,000 screens on Wednesday, and has been running at an average occupancy of 80-85%. “It has the weekend to look forward to,” said trade pundit
Komal  Nahta.

Bodyguard still #1
The film’s first day collections in the Indian market were pegged at Rs18 crore, second only to that of Bodyguard (Rs21 crore).

Overseas collections
Overseas, Ra.One collected more than Rs6 crore. It has recovered its production costs through endorsements and partnership deals amounting to over Rs50 crore. Its television rights have been sold for Rs35 crore.

Where’s the story?
Industry observers say it is doing well only because there is no other big release this Diwali. “There is no coherent storyline; the performances are mediocre,” said Raghuvendra Sinha, who walked out midway.