MUMBAI: The Akshay Kumar starrer Khatta Meetha, which has been directed by Priyadarshan, did net collections of Rs 230 million (Rs 23 crore) in its opening weekend in India.

As compared to Akshay’s previous films released in 2008 – 09, the opening of Khatta Meetha is low keeping in mind the new multiplex screens that have been added over the last two years. The opening weekend collections of his last film Housefull, which released earlier this year, was approximately Rs 310 million (Rs 31 crore).

On the other hand, last year’s films starring Akshay namely Kambakkht Ishq and De Dana Dan did net business of Rs 230 million (Rs 230 million) and Rs 225 million (Rs 22.50 crore) respectively in the opening weekend. While Singh Is Kinng, which released in 2008 saw opening weekend collections of Rs 260 million (Rs 26 crore).

Last week’s Hollywood release Inception directed by Christopher Nolan, was steady at the box office this weekend with net collections of approximately Rs 29.90 million (Rs 2.99 crore). According to information available with Businessofcinema.com, the movie saw occupancy of around 75 – 80 per cent across multiplexes in India. However, the number of shows were reduced due to the two new film releases namely Khatta Meeta and Salt. The 10 days net collections of Inception in India is approximately Rs 125 million (Rs 12.50 crore).