Taking criticisms head-on, filmmaker Srijit Mukherji on Saturday said his debut Bollywood feature Begum Jaan has opened to Rs39.4 million (Dh2.23 million) as opposed to a lower industry expectation, despite mixed reviews and releasing alongside the mammoth Hollywood franchise The Fate of the Furious.
“For the statistically inclined, delighted to announce that despite mixed reviews, FF8, big regional new year releases and being an A-rated film, #BegumJaan opened to 3.94 cr as opposed to the industry expectation of [Rs3 million to Rs32.5 million] and an ORMAX prediction of [Rs34 million]. Thank you for all the bouquets and brickbats, have a great New Year,” Mukherji wrote on Facebook.
Begum Jaan, starring Vidya Balan, is an adaptation of Bengali film Rajkahini, also directed by Mukherji. The film released last Thursday in the UAE.
The movie also features Gauahar Khan, Ila Arun, Pallavi Sharda, Chunky Pandey, Flora Saini, Raviza Chauhan, Poonam Rajput and Naseeruddin Shah.
