That’s one of those headlines that sounds more impressive than it is.  Yes, Airlift has the best opening of 2016.  But, we are only 3 weeks into 2016, so how impressive is that, really?

There are a few other, more substantial, records that it is hitting, however.

First, just counting Friday and Saturday (Sunday figures not yet available), Airlift is already hitting over 38 crore in India.  Which handily beats Wazir and Kya Kool Hain Hum 3, the only other big releases of the year so far.

More notably, it is breaking Akshay’s previous opening day records set by Baby, also a January film, last year.  Baby and Airlift are actually fairly similar, both more serious and “realistic” films, with Akshay in a more serious avatar.  So, typical Republic Day releases.  Substantial, but not as light-hearted and family friendly as something you would put out on Deewali, for instance. And with that noble, patriotic tone.

And, very interesting (to me), it is also breaking records at the UAE-GCC box office.  It was released there on 70 screens, and is already Akshay’s biggest release in UAE.  This is fascinating!  It was filmed in the UAE, but not set there.  Is it just the general tone being closer to their country that is causing the appeal among the citizens?  Or is it simply that the existing relationship lead to them being able to find more screens, and therefore create more box office?  Or am I underestimating the size of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, and this is all just excitement over seeing a big name film that was shot down the street from them?