For a film to have an outstanding start at the box office doesn't mean that the movie has to rake up a Rs 30-40 crore storm on its opening day. For films like Neerja which have been consciously made on a stringent budget, an opening of Rs 3-4 crore is great. But despite the low screen count and the lack of the usual masala, this highly content-driven film has created a strong impact at the domestic box office. 

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Yes, while the film took about a 30% opening across all key mass centres in the beginning, the critics and audiences have been equally charmed by the Sonam Kapoor starrer. In fact, the positive reviews have only helped boost the film's collections towards the evening shows. And now we hear, from what would have been just about a decent start, Neerja is recording an outstanding figure on its opening day.

Early estimates predict an opening around the Rs 5 crore mark which is incredible for a film that has been made on a budget of Rs 13 crore (production) and another Rs 7 crore (additional promotion budget). With an overall budget of Rs 20 crore, the film will already be in the safe zone after its first day because the theatrical revenue itself will help Neerja go past the safe zone. 

The collections will only increase in the weekends and what was expected to be a Rs 13-14 crore weekend will now safely be around the Rs 20 crore mark, which is incredible for a film of this stature. Being the best film of 2016 till date, Neerja will not bring in critical acclaim but commercial success as well. And we won't be surprised if it turns out to be another Queen or Kahaani at the BO. Because it deserves to be watched! It's yet another victory of content over massy potboiler films and this only calls for a better tomorrow at the plexes!