June 23 (AZINS) Shahid Kapoor has registered his biggest opener so far, with his latest release, Kabir Singh. The Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy has minted approximately Rs 20 crore on its first day itself. Moreoever, the film has also emerged the fourth highest opener of 2019 so far. 

Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh attributes the big first-day numbers first and foremost to the content. He says, “I was completely enamoured by the Telugu original. Watching the lead actor, Vijay Deverakonda, I would wonder if this movie was remade in Hindi, which actor would play the protagonist with such power and passion. Vijay was so mind-blowing that the film changed his career fabulously. That’s where the second factor for the opening of Kabir Singh comes in, Shahid Kapoor. Having seen Arjun Reddy twice, I feel Shahid has delivered a brilliant and takkar ka performance.”

Calling it an award-worthy performance, Taran says, “In real life, Shahid is a vegetarian and a teetotaller. And the character he essays is a sharp contrast. Of course, he was very good in Haider and Udta Punjab. But in Kabir Singh, he is completely different.”

Not to forget, director Sandeep Vanga Reddy, too, deserves credit for continuing his success streak with the latest release. What is interesting to note is that Arjun Reddy was his directorial debut and Kabir Singh is his first Hindi film. “Sandeep is not a traditional Hindi filmmaker,” points out Taran, adding, “But when you see how the narrative unfolds, you understand the oft-repeated saying that ‘film is a director’s medium’ and ‘director is the captain of the ship’. If Shahid is the star on screen, Sandeep is the star off it.”

Not surprising then, the trade circuit is upbeat about the numbers on Saturday and Sunday as well.While the intense love story has surpassed Padmaavat’s first-day figures of Rs 18.21 crore, we can’t overlook the fact that the 2018 historical drama starred Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone and above all, was helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Moreover, the film’s release was limited as it didn’t open in five states due to controversies and protests.

Kabir Singh (2019): Rs 20 cr

Padmaavat (2018): Rs 18.21 cr

Shaandaar (2015): Rs 11.71 cr

Udta Punjab (2016): Rs 9.53 cr

R... Rajkumar (2013): Rs 9.47 cr

Bharat: Rs 41.62 cr

Kalank: Rs 21 cr

Kesari: Rs 20.40 cr

Kabir Singh: Rs 20 cr

Gully Boy: Rs 19.26 cr

* Approximate India Net Box Office Figures From Reliable Trade Sources