Hrithik Roshan-starrer Krrish 3 kick-started its box office run this festive season with enough fireworks. Early estimates of box office collections by various trade analysts put the domestic business for the first day at about Rs 25-26 crore.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra said that despite this being the "pre-Diwali, which is bad period (for film releases), Krrish 3 collected Rs 26 crore (includes Tamil and Telugu collections) on the first day, which is outstanding.”

The film saw one of the widest releases, as it opened at over 4,000 screens on Friday.

Trade analyst Komal Nahata said the movie had a phenomenal start. “It released on Friday, which was not a holiday and also at the pre-Diwali time which is considered to be one of the dullest period, especially in the North, as people do not tend to watch movies because of the festivities.”

Trade analysts believe that the movie has also done well overseas.

Multiplex players believe the movie might see some dip for certain evening shows in the North on Saturday and Sunday but is expected to make up for it Monday onward, as its an extended weekend.

Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR Cinemas, said with the extended weekend, the movie was expected to do well in the coming days. He said even in the coming week, the movie was not expected to see much of a competition due to no major releases, except Hollywood flick, 'Thor: The Dark World', slated for a Friday release.

> Meenakshi.v@thehindu.co.in

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