Akshay Kumar’s PadMan is set to hit theatres on February 9 and the trade pundits have expressed hopes that the film will continue the dream box office run started by Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat earlier this year. Most experts believe the film, that also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in important roles, is likely to make an opening collection of Rs 12-15 crore.
After Neeraj Pandey’s Aiyaary got postponed, owing to a delay in the certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, PadMan became the solo release of the week.
Releasing in 2300-2500 screens across India, PadMan also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in lead roles. It is based on the real life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who made low-cost sanitary pads for the women of his village. Amitabh Bachchan also plays a cameo in PadMan.
Trade analyst Joginder Tuteja predicted, in his report for Koimoi, an opening collection of Rs 12-14 crore for the Akshay Kumar-starrer while film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi said the earnings could be between Rs 12-15 crore for day one. According to an Indian Express report, trade analyst Girish Johar expressed hope that PadMan will collect Rs 13-14 crore on Friday.
Last month, Akshay Kumar shifted the release of PadMan to ensure a smooth release for Bhansali’s Padmaavat. Padmaavat, that stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles, has earned Rs 231 crore since it hit theatres on January 25.
