Mumbai: Salman Khan's highly anticipated film, Tiger 3, has marked a significant international and domestic opening, setting records for both the lead actors Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.
The espionage thriller, also starring Emraan Hashmi as antagonist, was released in various international markets, contributing to an estimated $2.25 million in international box office collections on Saturday.
In specific regions, the North American market led with $1.05 million, while the Gulf region earned an estimated $850,000. The United Kingdom experienced a healthy start with GBP 160,000. Notably, Tiger 3 is among the rare Indian films to debut internationally on both Saturday and Sunday.
In India, the film garnered Rs 18.50 crores during its Saturday premieres, and early estimates suggest an opening day collection of Rs 40 crores. The movie, released in 5500 screens across India, recorded a morning occupancy rate of 36.55% in Hindi.
The unique decision to release Tiger 3 on a Sunday, coinciding with Laxmi Puja, proved successful, with the film heading towards an opening day collection of Rs 45 crores. The unconventional release strategy is aimed at maximising the film's lifetime business, according to YRF distribution head Rohan Malhotra.
According to early estimates posted by industry tracker Sacnilk, the film is heading to record an opening day collection of Rs 40 crore which is successful for the day.
The film's performance in North America is particularly noteworthy, as it achieved the highest opening day for a Salman Khan-led film, surpassing the record set by Bajrangi Bhaijaan in 2015. The Gulf region's earnings of an estimated $850,000 were achieved despite a delayed release in two countries due to certification issues.
Tiger 3 is the third instalment in Salman and Katrina's spy thriller franchise and is the latest addition to the YRF Spy Universe. Shot in multiple international locations, including Turkey, Austria, and Russia, the film boasts a budget of Rs 300 crores and features high-end action sequences with impressive VFX work.
Due to the absence of major competition in theatres, Tiger 3 is expected to gain momentum from Monday, taking advantage of the extended Diwali holiday period.
The next significant film release is Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal," scheduled for December 1st.