On November 12, Indian cinema enthusiasts were treated to the much-anticipated release of Salman Khan's Tiger 3, the fifth installment of the YRF Spy Universe. The film, generating significant pre-release excitement, especially with the anticipation of Shah Rukh Khan's cameo, marked a historic Bollywood opening on Diwali.
According to early estimates from Sacnilk, Tiger 3 shattered records by crossing an impressive Rs 40 crore on its opening day, ultimately raking in Rs 44.50 crore. The action-packed thriller boasted an overall occupancy rate of 41.32%, reaching a peak of 46.18% during night shows.
Breakdown of Tiger 3 Occupancy Rates on November 12 (Hindi):
- Morning Shows: 36.55%
- Afternoon Shows: 42.73%
- Evening Shows: 39.82%
- Night Shows: 46.18%
While Tiger 3's opening day figures fall short of the all-India records set earlier this year by two Shah Rukh Khan films, Jawan (Rs 75 crore) and Pathaan (Rs 57 crore), the results are remarkable for Laxmi Puja Day. Traditionally not a box office favorite due to festive celebrations, the film's success on this occasion stands out.
Tiger 3's first-day collection secures its position as Salman Khan's third-biggest opener, following Ali Abbas Zafar's 2019 period drama Bharat (Rs 42.30 crore) and Sooraj Barjatya's 2015 family drama Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Rs 40.35 crore), both released during Diwali.
YRF's decision to release such a major film on Diwali considered a risky move, was explained by Rohan Malhotra, the VP of distribution at YRF. He stated, "At YRF, we focused on the lifetime business of the film, and it worked like a dream. We believed in Shah Rukh Khan's stardom and the quality of the film, deviating from the conventional release schedule."
Tiger 3's record-breaking debut not only marks a significant achievement for the YRF Spy Universe but also showcases the enduring appeal of Salman Khan as a box office powerhouse, setting the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster run.
