Figures are out for Airlift opening day, and the (possibly) last week of Dilwale overseas.  So far, no big surprises.  But things could always look different after the weekend is over!

Bollywood Hungama confirms, Dilwale is now the 4th most successful film overseas, just barely edging out 3 Idiots, but still trailing behind Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Dhoom 3, and PK.  This is probably as high as it will go, it would need to make almost another 4 million in order to beat Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and based on the number of theaters in which it is still running, that seems unlikely.

Meanwhile, Airlift had a good but not amazing opening.  17.64 crore from Friday and early shows Saturday.  Overseas was even less impressive, but only from a few theaters, so that is to be expected.  Only 80 screens in America, versus the c.300 each given to Bajirao and Dilwale.  More important than the total figures, is the occupancy rates.  Morning shows gathered only 30 to 35% in some cities, going up to 75% in Banguluru.  Most of the profit comes from multiplexes, reflecting the high production values and western style plot.  Which might also explain why it did so well in Banguluru, the most rapidly gentrifying area.  The occupancy is expected to go up considerably through out the day as families start coming into the afternoon and evening shows.  And, as it is a holiday weekend, this trend should continue through Tuesday, giving it a solid opening, possibly Akshay’s best in quite a while.  And he never has a really bad opening!