B.O. update: ‘Aarakshan’ opens well, but numbers will be affected

The much-in-news AARAKSHAN started well at most places, garnering 60% to 70% to 80% occupancy in morning and noon shows. The occupancy was better at multiplexes, while certain sectors reported 40% to 50% start. The film has not released in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, which means that the business will be badly hit since a big chunk of revenue will be lost in the process.

Talking from the business point of view, the revenue generated from these three states, especially Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, is huge. Also, in view of the fact that it's a 4-day weekend [Monday, 15 August is a holiday], the producer/distributors will lose a substantial chunk of revenue if the movie doesn't hit the screens in these states. Which also means that a big, fat total, keeping the 4-day weekend in mind, will be ruled out if the film doesn't see a theatrical release.

However, the silver lining is that the film is being liked by the audience and that should help the film collect a good chunk over the weekend.