'Chennai Express' collects Rs.100 crore in first weekend

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan couldn't have asked for more. His latest movie "Chennai Express" is running superfast at the Indian box office, crossing the Rs.100 crore mark in its first weekend, a record which no film has perhaps made so far.

It was a "monstrous weekend", says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, for the Rohit Shetty-directed film. It released on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr Aug 9.

"'Chennai Express' Thursday previews (earned) Rs. 6.75 crore, Friday (opening day) Rs. 33.12 crore, Saturday Rs. 28.05 crore, Sunday Rs. 32.50 crore. Total Rs. 100.42 crore nett. Monstrous weekend... India business only," Adarsh posted on Twitter.

Also starring Deepika Padukone, the action comedy entertainer was made at a budget of Rs. 70 crore. On the opening day itself, trade pundits had predicted that the movie could break records over its debut weekend.

A tale of a north Indian man, who falls in love with the daughter of a don down south, "Chennai Express" was heavily promoted by its cast and director across all quarters. It managed roaring business not just nationally, but also in foreign shores via paid previews, and on its opening day.

Shah Rukh himself joined some audience members in a Mumbai theatre Sunday as he wanted to experience their laughter.

Despite receiving such an overwhelming response, celebrities haven't stopped promoting the film, which is co-produced by SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment and UTV Motion Pictures.

Miss Asia Pacific World 2012 Himangini Singh and Akshitaa Agnihotri, finalist of Femina Miss India 2013 are participating in a charity programme in Kathmandu Monday where "Chennai Express" will be screened. The funds raised by it will be donated to flood victims in Nepal through Mumbai-based NGO Project Crayon.