After last week's slow performers, this week we see the release of the much talked about Saif Ali Khan - Katrina Kaif starrer PHANTOM, which can be termed as an almost solo release, since the other releases KAUN KITNE PAANI MEIN and BAANKEY KI CRAZY BARAAT feature a rather limited reach and low screen counts. While the buzz surrounding PHANTOM, especially with Kabir Khan helming the project after the successful BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN has been at an all-time high, the film's box-office expectations have been mixed.
Reports from across the country suggest that PHANTOM, despite being a rather patriotic film, has opened on an average note with just 40% occupancy rate during morning shows. On the other hand the other two Hindi releases KAUN KITNE PAANI MEIN and BAANKEY KI CRAZY BARAAT that do not feature in morning shows will struggle to keep afloat, while the Hollywood releases THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E and RICKI AND THE FLASH, both of which again have a limited release cater to a very specific audience.
On the whole, PHANTOM that faces little to no competition from the new and previous releases is expected to fare better over the evening and night shows. However, the other releases will have to depend heavily on positive word of mouth to post decent collections.
