Box-office: Raees off to a bumper start, Kaabil has a disastrous opening

Mumbai: The highly anticipated clash of 'Raees' and 'Kaabil' has finally happened and the initial reports suggest a drastically polarised difference in the appeal of the two films.

While Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees' has shot off to a bumper opening, 'Kaabil' has started way below expectations, despite of great reviews and terrific word of mouth.

While the former, a highly anticipated gangster saga set in Gujarat, has received lukewarm reviews from critics in general, the mass hysteria surrounding Shah Rukh Khan has ensured great box-office collections.

Hrithik, still fresh from the career-jeopardising debacle that was Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Mohenjo Daro,' desperately needs a hit.

According to boxofficeindia.com, 'Raees' has managed a phenomenal '55-60% occupancy, which is the best since 'Sultan,' eclipsing even Aamir Khan's 'Dangal'. At some centres, the film is performing even better than 'Sultan,' despite of the clash and a non-holiday.

'Kaabil,' on the other hand, opened to a meagre 20-25% occupancy, though the numbers are expected to soar thanks to word of mouth and the Republic Day holiday.

Further numbers are awaited. Stay tuned!