Kochadaiiyaan collects 42 cr worldwide gross in opening weekend

Mumbai: Eros International Media Ltd, a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, has announced a blockbuster opening weekend of the futuristic fantasy event of the year ‘KOCHADAIIYAAN’ – The Legend, at the box office with a massive Rs. 42 crore gross worldwide. Eros International released the film in 2D and 3D on May 23, 2014, in six languages in over 3,000 screens worldwide. Tamil Nadu distribution was undertaken directly by Eros International. Directed by Soundarya Rajnikanth Ashwin, the Photorealistic Performance Capture technology film has set a new milestone in the history of Indian cinema and set the box office ringing with a bumper opening weekend and grossed Rs. 30 crore in India and Rs. 12 crore overseas. Markets with Rajni stronghold like UAE, Malaysia and Singapore have shown superlative performance. With pre-sales from satellite rights in multiple languages, audio and music rights exploitation, brand tie ups and other income, the film is well on its way to cross Rs 100 in revenue just after the opening weekend. Commenting on the successful opening of the film, Nandu Ahuja, Senior V P, India Theatrical, Eros International Media Ltd said, “Thalaivar fans have given huge thumbs up to the film which showcases the charisma of their favorite superstar in a never seen before avatar. Advance booking for the opening weekend especially in Tamil Nadu were outstanding and true to Rajni films, the shows opened as early as 5 a.m. to capacity audiences with the build-up commencing the night before. As the film continues to attract huge numbers with its high octane action, photo realistic animation and of course Rajinikanth’s larger than life persona, we expect the film to continue wowing audiences.” Commenting on the film’s performance overseas, Pranab Kapadia, President, Marketing and Distribution, Eros International Plc, added, “Fans of the superstar across the world have appreciated the film and it has opened extremely well in the overseas markets.” Jyoti Deshpande, Group CEO and MD of Eros International Plc, said, “We are delighted with the superb response to the film which has been a labour of love over the last two years. We thank the critics and the audiences that have helped build such a wonderful momentum to the film and given recognition to Soundarya’s vision and talent. We are seeing an overwhelming demand for a prequel or a sequel. Watch this space. But for now enjoy Kochadaiiyaan in 2D or 3D with your entire family, in a big screen near you, in a language of your choice”. Kochadaiiyaan is an epic dramatisation of good versus evil starring South Indian megastar Rajinikanth in a double role in a larger than life depiction. Also starring in the grand production is leading lady Deepika Padukone together with South India’s leading stars Sharath kumar, Nasser, Aadi, Shobana and Rukmini. Providing the musical score to this magnum opus is Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman.