It's SRK versus SRK: Trade experts predict 'Jawan' to break opening day record of 'Pathaan'
Mumbai (PTI): Shah Rukh Khan's "Jawan" is expected to earn over Rs 60 crore on day one to become the highest opening Hindi film ever, a record that was earlier set by the actor's blockbuster "Pathaan", trade experts predicted on Friday.
Directed by Tamil filmmaker Atlee, "Jawan" is a father-son story that addresses social and political issues through its hero, essayed by the Bollywood star. The film released on Thursday.
The film also features Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi as well as Deepika Padukone in a special appearance.
According to trade expert Taran Adarsh, Shah Rukh will surpass his own record for the highest opening in a Hindi film with his new release.
"It is Shah Rukh Khan vs Shah Rukh Khan, this is actually a return... We expect the Hindi version of 'Jawan" to earn anywhere between Rs 65 to Rs 70 crore. It is the highest for a Hindi film. Earlier, 'Pathaan' was the highest with Rs 55 crore, and now 'Jawan'. After 'Pathaan', the expectations were multifold and 'Jawan' fulfilled them," Adarsh told PTI.
The pan-India thriller, which released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, was running to packed theatres in Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Jammu, Mumbai and Kolkata.
"Jawan" also features Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Girija Oak, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Lehar Khan, and Aaliyah Qureshi, who are part of the group of women supporting SRK's hero.
Chennai-based trade analyst Ramesh Bala said the box office collection of "Jawan" is expected to be "outstanding" and it may emerge as one of the highest grossing Hindi films in the South market.
"We are expecting the Hindi version will do a business of about Rs 60 to Rs 65 crore, the Tamil and Telugu version should do about Rs 15 crore nett.
"The overall India collection should be Rs 95 to Rs 100 crore gross, and the overseas collection should be Rs 40 crore. This is one of the highest grossing Hindi films in the South market. It is an encouraging sign for theatre owners and audiences," Bala told PTI.
Komal Nahta also predicted the opening day numbers to be around Rs 65 crore in India though he said he will wait for the official figures.
Described by the makers as a high-octane thriller, "Jawan" outlines the story of a man set out to correct the wrongs of society.
A Red Chillies Entertainment presentation, "Jawan" is produced by Gauri Khan and co-produced by Gaurav Verma.
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CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana returns to SL with hamstring injury
Chennai: Chennai Super Kings' Matheesha Pathirana's outing in the ongoing IPL is all but over as the pacer will return to Sri Lanka to recover from a hamstring injury.
The right-arm slinger played six matches in this IPL, picking up 13 wickets at an economy of 7.68.
''Chennai Super Kings wishes Pathirana a quick recovery,'' the CSK stated in a media release on Sunday.
Pathirana last played for CSK during their 78-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he bowled two overs and picked up the wickets of Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen.
Pathirana missed the match against Punjab Kings at Chennai on May 1 with England pacer Richard Gleeson replacing him. The unavailability of Pathirana is a big setback to CSK as their bowling stocks have dwindled drastically in the last few days.
Pace bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar too is set to miss the remainder of the IPL with a niggle he sustained during the match against Punjab at Chepauk. Chahar walked off the field after bowling just two balls and Shardul Thakuar had completed the over for him.
''Deepak Chahar doesn't look good. The initial feeling wasn't great. So, I'm hoping for a more positive report when the physio and the doctor have a look,'' CSK coach Stephen Fleming had said after that match.
CSK will also be without Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana at least for a couple of more matches as he is expected to fly back to Sri Lanka to complete his USA visa process ahead of next month's T20 World Cup in the Americas.
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman's IPL stint too came to an end in the previous match against PBKS after he has joined the national team for the home T20I series against Zimbabwe.
