Hollywood to Bollywood : Kambakkht Hit!

Kambakkht Ishq grosses over USD 9.6mn worldwide at the box office Reaches UK top 10

Mumbai, London, New York, 6th July 2009: Eros International, the leading London-listed Indian media and entertainment company has announced a stupendous opening of Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakkht Ishq, grossing over USD 9.6 million at the box office in just its opening weekend. The film directed by debutant Sabbir Khan with Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles which released worldwide on 3rd July has grossed over USD 6.7 million in India and USD 2.9 million overseas. The film has also touched UK No. 8 in the same period.

Speaking on the film’s performance, Nandu Ahuja, EVP – Distribution – India, Eros International said, “Despite heavy rains, Kambakkht Ishq remained steady through the weekend all over and continues to show fabulous response today on day four as well which is a very positive sign. The superb run of the film in its opening weekend has superseded all expectations and we are confident of the film’s performance in the weeks to come”.

Pranab Kapadia, President – Distribution - Europe & Africa, Eros International added, “We are delighted with the superb first weekend opening figures grossed by Kambakkht Ishq in the entire overseas markets. In UK, the film secured a strong position No 8 grossing £300k despite releasing along with big Hollywood films such as Ice Age & Public Enemies. USA saw strong opening figures of US$ 700k, the film releasing during one of the most popular bank holiday weekends of July 4th. In Pakistan, film grossed US$ 100k from only 15 prints, the highest ever for any Bollywood film. All remaining markets, the response has been overwhelming. As reports start pouring in, we thank the audiences for showing their support for Kambakkht Ishq”.

Well known trade expert and critic Taran Adarsh also said, “Initial tracking indicate Kambakkht Ishq is amongst top 5 openers of all times in India”.

With audiences queuing up at the box office and giving thumbs up for the film, leading multiplexes reiterate the fantastic response to Kambakkht Ishq. Devang Sampath – Sr. Vice President – Cinemax says, “This weekend was the best in terms of business and audiences, especially the youth are loving Kambakkht Ishq. Most of the shows for the film over the weekend were sold out”.

“Kambakkht Ishq enjoyed an extraordinary opening weekend across all properties of Fame “, added Aditya Shroff of Fame Cinemas.