Nagarjuna's 'Bhai' slumps at box-office

Akkineni Nagarjuna-starrer Telugu action-drama "Bhai", which released Friday worldwide, minted just Rs.2.88 crore in Andhra Pradesh on its opening day. Trade experts believe that the film, said to be made on a budget of Rs.42 crore, is unlikely to break even.

"The film couldn't make money in Andhra Pradesh, which is Nagarjuna's home turf, and I doubt if it can make elsewhere," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

"It collected only Rs.2.88 crore on the first day in the state. Even his last release 'Greekuveerudu' had a better opening, but 'Bhai' has turned out to be a damp squib," he added.

"Bhai", produced by Nagarjuna, had a solo release, and therefore, was expected to have a grand opening.

"It's very unlikely to have a solo release nowadays since a minimum of three films battle it out at the box-office every week. 'Bhai' had that advantage to take a good opening, but it couldn't due to the bad content," he added.

Directed by Veerabhadram, also starring Richa Gangopadhyay, Prasanna Venkatesan and Sonu Sood in important roles, "Bhai" is the story of a don, played by Nagarjuna, who is sent to Hyderabad to eliminate an undercover cop.