Mumbai: Bollywood's version of Superman has thrown down a box-office challenge to his American counterpart, with trade analysts estimating the film earned an Indian record of $15 million (Dh55 million) in its opening week.
Almost one-third of the takings for Krrish came from overseas, mostly the United Kingdom and the United States where Bollywood fare is an entertainment staple for Indian expatriates. "These are historic opening collections for a Bollywood film. India's first superhero is a superhit," said Taran Adarsh, a leading trade analyst.
Krrish, which cost $10 million, was considered an expensive production in India's Hindi language film industry, the biggest in the world by volume and ticket sales but one which operates on low margins.
The story of a man with special powers who romances his lady love in between saving the world from a mad scientist has hit a chord with children, who love his ability to leap tall buildings at a bound in a black leather ensemble and a Batman-like mask.
"And something which is a hit with children will ensure their parents come along," Adarsh said.
