Despite Akshay Kumar's absence, Welcome Back opens to excellent numbers

Anees Bazmee's Welcome Back is doing excellent business as the film has raked in Rs 14.35 crore on its opening day at the Box-Office making it the third highest opener of the year after Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Brothers.

The film was expected to embark upon a good start of above Rs 10 crore collections at the ticket window due to the strong recall value of Brand Welcome; however, the film's Day One collections are beyond expectations.

Critics had given the film negative reviews but movies from this genre remain unaffected by these critiques. Audience feedback is what works for a film like Welcome Back, and we will get to know it only after the first weekend.

The film made very good collections in the mass dominated circuits as expected. However, even metros like Mumbai and Delhi saw a huge jump in collections in the late evening shows. Welcome Back was made on a huge budget so it is imperative that it sees good collections throughout the week.

Top 5 Opening Day Collection of 2015:

• Bajrangi Bhaijaan - Rs 27.25 crore
• Brothers - Rs 15.20 crore
• Welcome Back - Rs 14.35 crore
• ABCD 2 - Rs 14.30 crore
• Gabbar Is Back - Rs 13.05 crore

The film is the second highest ever opener for John Abraham and Anil Kapoor while higest ever for Nana Patekar. Business is expected to be steady on Saturday while a huge jump is expected on Sunday. What is more commendable is the fact that the film has got a very good opening without the main lead from prequel, Akshay Kumar.

Lack of comedies in Bollywood is yet another reason for Welcome Back to get a huge opening.

Watch the trailer of Welcome Back here: