Bajrangi Bhaijaan turned in another stupendous performance in its second weekend in North American theaters. From July 24-26, 2015, it earned $1,561,179 from 277 theaters ($5,636 average), bringing its total earnings to $5,558,910.
In its third weekend, Baahubali earned a combined total of $621,706 from its Telugu and Tamil versions plus the newly released Hindi-dubbed version (which contributed $192,622 from 60 theaters to the total). The movie’s total North American earnings stand at $7,454,170.
It’s worth emphasizing just how rare it is that both Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Baahubali earned more than $1 million in the US and Canada in their second weekends of release. In the last ten years, only three other Hindi films — which have a much greater market share than movies made in other Indian languages — have earned more than $1 million in their second weekend here: PK, Dhoom 3, and 3 Idiots. PK went on to earn more than $10 million in North America, Dhoom 3 more than $8 million, and 3 Idiots more than $6.5 million.
July 31’s only new release is Ajay Devgn’ Drishyam, a fact that should make the producers of Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Baahubali very confident about continued box office dominance. Given past performances by Ajay-led action flicks without a prominent male co-star, Drishyam could conceivably earn less than $200,000 in its opening weekend in the US and Canada.
Dil Dhadakne Do hung around for an eighth weekend in two theaters, earning $1,202 ($601 average). Its North American total stands at $3,063,095.
Source: Rentrak, via Bollywood Hungama
If Drishyam is a Bollywood remake of the Malaysian film of the same name it should be amazing. The original was, IMHO, one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. It was up there with the likes of Shawshank Redemption. Only problem is I can’t imagine anyone other than Mohanlal playing George Kutty. Ajay Devagn Is very good actor, but Mohanla was just amazing in the original.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan was good, but definitely for me, not in the same league as the original Drishyam, but you’re probably right regarding the box office takings Kathy. Going to checkout the cinema listing as soon as I get home.
It is a remake of the Mohanlal film, but by a different director. Should be interesting. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts, Paul, if you decide to check out Ajay’s remake.
Looking forward to your review on Drishyam. Waiting from a long time for this movie, would be watching it in the weekdays.