Dilwale had a strong opening of around 65% while Bajirao Mastani was slower with a 30% start on average with the clash really only happening in multiplexes of Mumbai and Pune while the rest of the country saw a healthy advantage for Dilwale.
Dilwale had a very big lead in East Punjab, Nizam / Andhra, Mysore and East India while most other areas outside Mumbai and Pune had a good lead. The gap in above circuits was double and even more at some centres. It was certain properties of Mumbai and Pune where both films had similar occupancy. The key area Gujarat also saw Dilwale leading and it will important for Bajirao Mastani to close the gap in the evening if it is to have any chance of competing as without Gujarat the film can't go anywhere.
Despite the strong opening, the screenings of Dilwale are 65% of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo with around 12000 shows per day compared to 18000 plus of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. If the film can get a 20 crore nett plus number up on day one, fair value for that would be close to 30 crore nett.
Bajirao Mastani is depending on word of mouth especially outside the Mumbai Pune belt and it has to make strides quickly preferably by evening or by tomorrow at the latest if it is to have a chance.
