'Raajneeti' hits jackpot at box office

New Delhi Multiple controversies notwithstanding, Prakash Jha's much-awaited and much-hyped dark political thriller "Raajneeti" has set the cash registers ringing - courtesy its widely-appreciated content.

"'Raajneeti' (released Friday) is a super-duper hit. The movie is being massively appreciated and will have a definite second weekend run. We have had an average occupancy of close to 95 percent for 26 shows per day and we sold off 4,200 tickets in advance till Sunday," Amit Awasthi, senior manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, told IANS.

"We have collected a gross of Rs.28 lakh and all shows are full today (Sunday)," he added.

Amit Shah, chief manager (programming) of DLF DT cinemas, echoed the view.

"'Raajneeti' is a must-watch film. The content of the movie is being highly appreciated and it is moving towards being the highest grosser over the weekend for this year till now," Shah said.

"We've had an average occupancy of close to 90 percent and we are running around 15-17 shows in prime properties and around 9-12 shows in other properties. The movie will bring a good second weekend," he added.

Produced by UTV with around Rs.45 crore, the movie has been distributed by Prakash Jha Productions, Walkwater Media and UTV Motion Pictures with over 2,100 prints worldwide.

Inspired by the Hindu epic Mahabharata, "Raajneeti" takes a behind-the-scenes look at the working of Indian politics and features an ensemble line-up, including the likes of Nana Patekar and Naseeruddin Shah, Ajay Devgn and Manoj Bajpai.

Heartthrobs Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, along with model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal, also play ...