Some sections have dubbed Sanju as the tamer version of the real-life hell-raiser. But that is weak criticism for a film that is winning the critics, the classes and masses. If box office collections are proof, Sanju is delivering a thumping answer where it counts most.

The film has already broken the record held by Salman Khan-starrer Race 3. The Remo D’Souza directorial had garnered Rs.29.17 crore on the first day of its release, which coincided with the Eid holiday. Rajkumar Hirani directorial Sanju does not have the benefit of a public holiday but has nevertheless managed an even more emphatic figure of Rs.34.75 crore on its first day. In fact, it has become the first non-holiday release after Baahubali to garner such collections.

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Not surprisingly, the film is Ranbir Kapoor’s highest opener to date, giving his career an immense and much-required boost. Sanju is also Raju Hirani’s top opener so far. While his last release PK with Aamir Khan in the lead had earned Rs.26.63 crore on its day of release, it has been overwhelmingly overtaken by his latest, Sanju.

Now all eyes are on how soon the Sanjay Dutt biopic will cross the Rs.100 crore mark. Race 3 had managed it within three days of its release, even though it had met with lukewarm reviews. Sanju, on the other hand, has garnered upbeat reviews, combined with positive word of mouth, which should soon propel its collections past Rs.100 crore. In fact, trade experts predict the target will be reached in its opening weekend itself.

Besides Race 3, Sanju has also overtaken the first day collections of the hugely successful Avengers: Infinity War. The superhero flick had garnered Rs.31.30 crore at the Indian box office on its first day of release. All hail the new superheroes!