As had started seeming quite plausible earlier this week, Udta Punjab managed to take a good opening on Friday. Frankly, the situation wasn't as rosy till early this month, until the controversy broke out and elevated the film's prospects to a much higher level. This was evident in the manner audiences were interested in watching the film even when the pirated copies were available on Thursday itself.
As a result, the film brought in Rs. 10.05 crore on its first day with collections being quite high in Delhi NCR and Punjab. The ratio of collections from these territories (when compared to rest of the country) would have been the same even without the controversy but the quantum would have been at least 30% lesser. However, since the target audience warmed up to the film, the collections continued to soar by evening and night shows as well.
Now these are good numbers for Udta Punjab, especially when one considers the fact that this is an 'A' certificate film and the subject too isn't the kind that would interest one and all amongst adult audiences. Still, the hype ensured that the collections were quite good for the film which has seen reviews ranging from above average to very good.
For Shahid Kapoor, the opening day numbers are as good as his massy success R... Rajkumar (Rs. 10.1 crore) and much better than Haider (Rs. 6.14 crore). However, the pairing of Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt has scored far better with their other film together, Shaandaar (Rs.13.1 crore). That said, the rom-com had crashed from the second day itself, but, Udta Punjab is set to have a good weekend.
Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan has now enjoyed another good opening for her after the multiplex hit Ki & Ka (Rs. 7.3 crore). Moreover, Diljit Dosanjh has made a good debut in Bollywood, where he has earned critical acclaim as well as a good start to his commercial sojourn with pan-India audience. In fact, it won't be wrong to state that a good chunk of audience footfalls in Delhi NCR and Punjab is also due to his presence in Udta Punjab.
