Prediction came true to the T as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag indeed had an average occupancy of 60% by the time Friday came to a close. It was Paid Previews for the ‘aam junta’ that gave a good indication of what would unfold in days to come as 1.5 crores came in from the evening/night shows on Thursday itself. Soon after, the word of mouth started spreading around this Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra film being a quality product. Friday footfalls did the rest and by the time the day came to a close, it was a given that the film had done well.
This was evidenced from the fact that Saturday and Sunday saw further escalation, hence resulting in the first weekend collections in an excess of 31 crores. With this, in one stroke, Farhan Akhtar has managed his biggest solo success till date. Also, in the process the film has comfortably surpassed the lifetime collections of Karthik Calling Karthik (20 crores) and Luck By Chance (15 crores) in a matter of three days itself. Fantastic!
The film has been a winner in ways more than one. First and foremost it has brought back Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra in the scheme of things in a big way. His last Delhi 6 had ended its run around the 31 crore mark and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag should now do double of that. On the other hand industry has earned another reliable actor in the form of Farhan Akhtar who has emerged as someone who can be trusted to deliver every time. Meanwhile in the industry where it is a hit that matters most, Sonam Kapoor (despite in a guest appearance) is all set to have second to her name after Raanjhanaa.
In the middle of this all, none of the remaining four releases, Boyss Toh Boyss Hain, Shorts, Sixteen and Tara – The Journey of Love & Passion got any attention, placement, reviews or footfalls, hence disappearing in a jiffy!
