Why Raazi is Alia's best-opening solo film despite some shows getting cancelled

The Alia Bhatt-starring movie, Raazi, had a mixed opening on day one. Despite having a strong female protagonist, and being directed by the talented director — Meghna Gulzar, the film had a lukewarm first-day run. However, the pace picked up quickly soon after.

“Some 9 am shows of Raazi were cancelled on Friday because of low attendance. But the film picked up very well later. It has managed to collect around nine crore on the first day, which is humungous for an Alia Bhatt solo starrer. Highway, with Randeep Hooda, managed Rs 3.42 crore on Friday while Student of the Year managed Rs 7.48 crore and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, which starred Varun Dhawan, also managed Rs 9.02 crore on the day of release.

Only films like Shaandaar with Shahid Kapoor, which although tanked later, managed to make Rs 13.10 crore on Friday and the hit film 2 States, which starred Arjun Kapoor and was written by Chetan Bhagat, did Rs 12.42 crore collection,” says a source.

By these standards, Raazi seems to be the most profitable solo film of Alia Bhatt. Considering the fact that her co-star, Vicky Kaushal, wasn’t a highly popular face in the industry, this film can truly be considered her best opening as a solo heroine. Box office pundits predict that the film could do a lifetime business of Rs 80 crore.