Salman Khan’s latest Tubelight has sent trend analysts in a tizzy as the film has not earned as much as was expected of it. The film which had the usual Eid release as other Sallu Bhai blockbusters has not gotten as many people to theatres as was expected, but still has been able to earn a fantastic 21 crore on its first day only, which is the second highest earning by a film this year on its opening day. However, it can also be noted that the film is the worst performance in the last five years of a Salman Khan Eid release. His last three Eid releases Sultan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Kick have all earned more than Tubelight. The film is said to be doing well overseas where it is running full houses in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Saturday saw a slight boost in the collection of the film, making the earning of the first two days touch almost 42 crores, crossing the 40 crores mark, on what seems to be a considerably long journey to may be the 300 crore club.
The film which is an official remake of the 2015 Hollywood film Little Boy, is directed by Kabir Khan. It stars Salman along with Suhail Khan, Zhu Zhu, child artist Matin Rey Tangu and late Om Puri. Spoiler Alert: The film even has Shah Rukh Khan doing a cameo. The film revolves around Laxman (played by Salman) who is simple-minded and decides to bring his brother Bharat (played by Sohail) back to his home after he is missing in action in the Indo-Sino war of 1962.
The film has received varied reviews from critics with some shunning the movie with even a one star rating, and calling the film Salman’s worst acting project. While some critics have been kind to the film and given the film average ratings. What ever be the reviews, the Bhai fans are always there to save the day. And that is quite clear with its Saturday collections. The weekend being an extended one (as Monday is Eid), it is expected that Tubelight will surely and steadily bounce back in business. Another factor to add to its collections might be the absence of any bollywood release for next two weeks until Sri Devi starrer Mom hits the screens on July 7. This means the film has a long time to raise more collections and given the high star following that Salman has, it does not seem to be a daunting task.
On the other hand, the star is reportedly unaffected by the negative ratings as he jokingly (or seriously, God only knows) stated that he was expecting the reviews in minus (negative figures) and is grateful that the critics are at least giving the movie positive ratings (1, 1.5).
Now it remains to be seen if Tubelight gets into the 300 crore club that Salman films are most famous for.
