SRK edges ahead in box office battle

Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees has raced ahead of Hrithik Roshan's Kaabil at the box office after both films opened simultaneously on January 25.

Rahul Dholakia directed Raees starring Shah Rukh as a bootlegger, has garnered more than Rs 20 crore while Hrithik's film Kaabil helmed by Sanjay Gupta has earned over Rs 10 crore at the box office on day one.

"Raaes had a better opening as it did Rs 19-20 crore business on day one while Kaabil made Rs 10.5 crore at the box office. Shah Rukh is a bigger star, also people are liking the story of Raees so it has affected Kaabil," distributor Rajesh Thadani said.

According to Thadani, Raees opened in 3500 screens while Kaabil opened in 2700 screens. "The occupancy for Raaes was 60-70 percent yesterday while for Kaabil it was 25-35 percent occupancy. Today the morning shows were housefull for both the films," he said.

Another distributor Akshay Rathi too said that Shah Rukh's movie had an edge over Hrithik's Kaabil in theatres. "Both the films are doing well at the Box office and world mouth for both of them is positive. Raees has earned Rs 17 crore while Kaabil Rs 10.4 crore on Day 1 (yesterday).

"What works for Raees is the presence of Shah Rukh Khan who has been a star since longtime, the film has mass appeal, great dialogues and songs. Even Kaabil has content," Rathi said.

According to him the collection for both the films is bound to increase today as it is a holiday. "It was a working Wednesday still both the films did well. Today is the best day as its holiday for both the movies," he added.

Manoj Desai, Executive Director of Gaiety, Galaxy and Maratha Mandir cinema, said both the films are being appreciated.

"At our theatres Raees had 100 percent occupancy and Kaabil had 90 percent," he said.

As per a statement released by the makers of Raees that has Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pakistani actor Mahira Khan in lead alongside SRK, the crime-thriller has earned Rs 20.42 crore despite a mid week, working day.

According to makers of Kaabil, the Hrithik Roshan-Yami Gautam starrer opened to 40 percent theatre share in multiplexes and single screens theatres.