Over the years, Eid has been synonymous with a Salman Khan release, at least in the entertainment parlance. A trend that started with Dabangg back in 2010 has well continued with Sultan last year when Salman Khan set new records for an Eid arrival. It was one high after another that Salman Khan was enjoying for his films that released in or around Eid. Even if Eid didn't fall on Friday and was a day or two later, there were major numbers scored on the opening day itself.
Unfortunately, this hasn't quite happened for Salman Khan in 2017. Tubelight has opened well but is nowhere close to the kind of record creating/breaking journey that Salman Khan has enjoyed for years in succession. Yes, the film has gone past the 20 crore mark but that is something that Salman had achieved back in 2011 itself with Bodyguard. Ever since then, in the six years gone by, it has been a monumental ride for the superstar film after film.
However if one compares the opening of Tubelight with his other Eid releases, the outcome is relatively underwhelming:
Sultan [2016] – Rs. 36.54 crore
Ek Tha Tiger [2012] - Rs. 33 crore
Bajrangi Bhaijaan [2015] - Rs. 27.25 crore
Kick [2014] - Rs. 26.52 crore
Bodyguard [2011] - Rs. 21.60 crore
Tubelight [2017] - Rs. 21.15 crore
Dabangg [2010] - Rs. 14.50 crore
It also boils down to the high standards that Salman Khan has set with his films. Most other superstars and stars won't quite mind an opening in the upwards of Rs. 20 crore. However, what also has to be taken into consideration is the screen count. With 4350 screens at its disposal, so much more was there for the taking.
All eyes now are on the big Eid holiday on Monday. Will it top the Rs. 30 crore mark? Now that would be monitored quite closely. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates.
