Superstar Salman Khan might have said that Aamir Khan's "Dangal" is a much better film than his own blockbuster "Sultan" but the opening day box office collection tells a different story.
"Dangal" has earned a lot of critical acclaim, and is doing good at the ticket window with many trade experts betting on the film to get Bollywood out of the lull after the demonetisation of high value notes.
The film amassed Rs 29.78 crore, including Rs 59 lakh from Tamil and Telugu, in India on its release day (Friday).
But the opening day numbers of "Dangal" have failed to beat the Day One collection figures of "Sultan" - which stand at Rs 36.54 crore.
In Ali Abbas Zaffar's "Sultan", which released on July 6 this year, Salman played a wrestling champion from Haryana whose successful career wreaks havoc in his personal life. The plot revolves around how he reinvents his wrestler streak in mixed martial arts.
My Family saw #Dangal today evening and thought it was a much better film than #Sultan. Love u personally Aamir but hate u professionally ! pic.twitter.com/sJlDG7u95c
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) December 22, 2016
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and based on an incredible true story, "Dangal" chronicles the inspiring and empowering journey of a father who trains his daughters in wrestling.
In the film, Aamir plays Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former national champion who, much to the disapproval of his wife and his whole village, trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to wrestle.
Trade expert Taran Adarsh says "Dangal", which is backed by Disney India, will enter the Rs 100 crore club in three days.
@BeingSalmanKhan Sallu, in your "hate" I feel only love. "I love you like I hate you" 😘
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) December 22, 2016
He tweeted: "'Dangal' wrestles demonetisation. Sets the box office on fire. Ends the lull phase. Friday - Rs 29.78 crore (including Rs 59 lakh from Tamil and Telugu). 'Dangal' Saturday and Sunday business will be higher. Word of mouth is terrific. Expected to cross Rs 100 crore mark in first three days. India business."
'DANGAL' BETTER THAN 'SULTAN': SALMAN KHAN
Actor Salman Khan has heaped praise on Aamir Khan's latest release "Dangal", a biographical wrestling drama which hit the screens worldwide on Friday, calling it a much better film than his own release "Sultan".
In Ali Abbas Zaffar's "Sultan", which released earlier this year, Salman played a wrestling champion from Haryana whose successful career wreaks havoc in his personal life.
"My family saw 'Dangal' and thought it was a much better film than 'Sultan'. Love you personally Aamir but hate you professionally," wrote Salman on his Twitter page on Friday.
Aamir responded to his tweet by saying: "Salman Khan, in your 'hate' I feel only love. 'I love you like I hate you'."
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and based on an incredible true story, "Dangal" chronicles the highly inspiring and empowering journey of a father who trains his daughters in wrestling.
In the film, Aamir plays Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former national champion who, much to the disapproval of his wife and his whole village, trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to wrestle.
"Dangal" has been dubbed in Tamil and Telugu.
B-TOWN CELEBS PRAISE AAMIR KHAN'S 'DANGAL'
Popular Bollywood celebrities like Salman Khan, Juhi Chawla and Sonakshi Sinha have lauded superstar Aamir Khan's latest sports-drama "Dangal" calling it a "superlative" and "perfect" film.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, "Dangal", which released on Friday, is based on a true story and chronicles the empowering journey of a father who trains his daughters in wrestling.
In the film, Aamir plays Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former national champion who, much to the disapproval of his wife and his whole village, trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to wrestle.
Here is what celebrities have said on Twitter:
Salman Khan: My family saw 'Dangal' and thought it was a much better film than 'Sultan'. Love you personally Aamir but hate you professionally!
Juhi Chawla: Shabash! Can't stop thinking what a superlative film -- 'Dangal' -- Aamir has made, the risks he has taken and dedication he has put in.
Sonakshi Sinha: You make the wait for all your films so totally worth it Aamir Khan! Kudos to you and team 'Dangal' for this absolute gem! What a film.
Aanand L. Rai: Saw 'Dangal' . It's original, real, spirited and Indian. Take a bow Nitesh Tiwari. Aamir Khan makes me feel proud to be part of film fraternity.
Bhumi Pednekar: Loved 'Dangal'. Performances, dialogues, story and the cast, everything is beyond brilliant. Nitesh Tiwari, Aamir Khan sir and the girls.
Arshad Warsi: 'Dangal' is perfection in every department of film making. This film will stay in my heart for a long time. Superb casting of brilliant actors.
Swara Bhaskar: 'Dangal' fab work by all the girls. Aamir Khan respect for the calibre and class to keep the star out and giving all characters and roles their due.
Ayushmann Khurrana: 'Dangal' is such a free flowing piece of cinema. Leaves you motivated and inspired. It's a classic! Hail Aamir Khan.
