UAE: Shah Rukh, Deepika-starrer Pathaan records biggest Bollywood opening in the Emirates
The Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone-starrer Bollywood blockbuster Pathaan has received an overwhelming response since its release on January 25 in the UAE theatres, recording the biggest opening weekend for any Bollywood movie.
Cinema operators said the movie has been going strong even in the second week of its release.
The controversies surrounding Pathaan ahead of its release have failed to dent the Dh111-million Bollywood blockbuster, which has raked in more than Dh369 million.
According to Reel Cinemas, Pathaan recorded the biggest Bollywood opening weekend in the UAE and worldwide.
“The response has been overwhelming. It still stands as the No.1 in the second week performing movie since it was released. It’s now in the top three movies which have performed as biggest opener over decades,” it said.
In the UAE, according to Reel Cinemas, admissions crossed 374,000 over the opening weekend.
The movie set record openings in many countries, including India. Importantly, a major credit is given to the movie’s star-studded cast which also features John Abraham.
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is extremely popular in the UAE and has been named the brand ambassador of Dubai Tourism, and often appears in campaigns showcasing the best of the city. He was the first Indian actor to receive the coveted UAE Golden Visa and has often referred to Dubai as his second home.
According to Reel Cinemas, Pathaan recorded the biggest Bollywood opening weekend in the UAE and worldwide.
The response was overwhelming. It’s still the No. 1 movie of the second week since its release. It is now among the top three films that have played the biggest opening role over the decades, he said.
In the United Arab Emirates, according to Reel Cinemas, admissions topped 374,000 on the opening weekend.
The film set record openings in many countries including India. It’s important to note that major credit is given to the all-star cast of the movies, which also includes John Abraham.
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is hugely popular in the UAE and has been named Dubai’s tourism brand ambassador and often appears in campaigns showcasing the best of the city. He was the first Indian actor to receive the coveted United Arab Emirates Golden Visa and has often referred to Dubai as his second home.
The film itself features significant action sequences shot in Dubai.
Murray Rea, COO, Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Holding Entertainment, the overall response exceeded expectations and the film is still going strong and receiving lots of love from guests.
As the first blockbuster of 2023, Pathan continues to draw crowds and receive accolades from moviegoers. Pathaan’s impressive occupancy and sold-out shows are a testament to the film’s widespread appeal and solidify its status as the must-see movie of the year, Rea said.
He said the electric atmosphere in cinemas is a testament to the film’s popularity, with fans cheering, clapping and even whistling Shah Rukh Khan during various scenes.
More than 400 fans recently gathered at Roxy Xtreme to show their support, further cementing the film’s popularity and its status as the must-watch film of the year, Rea said.
