‘ABCD 2’ makes biggest weekend opening of 2015

Leaving behind the likes of Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Gabbar is Back and Dil Dhadakne Do, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor’s dance film ABCD 2 has made the biggest weekend opening in 2015 after making Rs463.5 million (Dh26.7 million), say trade analysts.

Directed by Remo D’Souza, ABCD 2, the sequel of 2013 film ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, became the highest opener of 2015 after collecting Rs143 million on its opening day (Friday, June 19 in India). It was more than the earnings of Akshay Kumar film Gabbar is Back (Rs130.5 million) and Zoya Akhtar directed Dil Dhadakne Do (Rs105.3 million), according to trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

The film is about a dance group from Nalasopara, a suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai, that makes it to the World Starz Hip Hop Competition in Las Vegas. It went on to make Rs145.4 million on Saturday and Rs175.1 million on Sunday.

“#ABCD2 records the HIGHEST OPENING WEEKEND of 2015 (so far). First *Hindi film* to cross Rs.45 crore mark (Fri-Sun) in 2015. India biz,” Adarsh posted on Twitter.

According to trade analyst Komal Nahta, the film is getting an great response from all regions of India.

“ABCD 2 is a surefire hit. It’s a visual delight. [The] opening of ABCD 2 [is] outstanding, from the Bombay circuit to Bihar circuit, a sure sign that it is unstoppable. With this, Varun joins the league of top stars,” Nahta said.

It seems that word of mouth and aggressive marketing has helped ABCD 2. Tie-ups with brands such as Pond’s Men, Reebok, Reliance Trendz, Lakme Make-up Pro, Hair & Care, Voxpop and Panasonic Smartphones have also created buzz for the movie.

Not only has the film got a thumbs up from critics and fans, but many Bollywood stars such as Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Jacqueline Fernandez have shown their love for the film. Excited with the positive response, Kapoor posted on Twitter: “O m g.. Itna pyaar [this much love].. All I want to say is, thank YOU! The love each of you has given #ABCD2 is simply priceless.”

Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan film Tanu Weds Manu Returns, which is inching towards the Rs1.5 billion mark, is still going strong in its fifth consecutive week. The film has made Rs1.47 billion until June 21. Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi’s Hamari Adhuri Kahani has collected Rs302.6 million in two weeks.

Though the box office witnessed a roller-coaster run in the first quarter, films such as ABCD 2, Dil Dhadakne Do and Tanu Weds Manu Returns have energised the entertainment industry with their successful runs.

As far as the future of the box office is concerned, viewers are in for some unique movies with forthcoming political satire Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho, which is set to release in India on June 26. The small-budget film will face tough competition from Bezubaan Ishq and Uvaa.