MUMBAI: Warner Bros’ Hollywood flick, Inception starring Leonardo Di Caprio has overshadowed all the Bollywood releases this week. The opening of the Christopher Nolan film has been way ahead of all the three Bollywood films that released today namely Lamhaa, Udaan and Tere Bin Laden.

Inception opened exceptionally well to about 60 – 70 per cent occupancy, with most shows running full towards evening. On the other hand Rahul Dholakia’s Lamhaa opened to a dismal 15 – 20 per cent occupancy, while Tere Bin Laden and Udaan opened at 35 – to 40 per cent. The reviews of both Tere Bin Laden and Udaan are good and multiplexes are hopeful that the films will pick up by word of mouth (WOM) publicity.

Speaking to Businessofcinema.com, PVR Cinemas programming head Prakhar Joshi said, “Inception has opened very well. The other three releases too have got good reviews and they should pick up by evening. The word of mouth publicity is good.”

Cinemax India president – sales, marketing and operations Devang Sampat added, “Udaan and Tere Bin Laden should pick up, as for Lamhaa we have to wait and watch since it’s got mixed reviews. Inception has definitely opened better than the three Hindi films.”

Inox associate vice president Rajender Singh Jyala said, “Inception has opened very strong and the day should close to 80 % -85% ,or it may even cross 90%, most of the shows are full. The other three films, Lamhaa, Udaan and Tere Bin laden have opened to about 20 – 30 per cent depending on the location, the evening and night shows should improve.”