MUMBAI: Aamir Khan’s latest release, ‘Talaash’, directed by Reema Kagti, also starring Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor has opened with fair Box Office collections on Day 1.

The performance of ‘Talaash’ is very curious because it is Aamir Khan’s return to celluloid after a hiatus of nearly two years, his last release being ‘3 idiots’, which at its time 3 years ago, broke all records at the box office.

The opening collections of ‘Talaash’ are in the range of Rs 128 million (12.8 crore) net approximately.

The response has been higher at multiplexes across the country, with most brisk business in circles of Mumbai and Delhi. However, collections of the film is dismal in single screens, with a subdued 40% occupancy.

The film has failed to impress hinterland audiences. In Gujarat and other parts of Central India, the film has seen a poor response.

The interesting thing to note is that in 2009 Aamir Khan’s ‘3 idiots’ had drawn a similar opening day collection of Rs 125 million (Rs 12.50 crore).

Between 2009 and 2012, while multiplexes have mushroomed multi-fold, cine-going trends and overseas business has grown substantially, there has been no real benefit to Aamir Khan.

In contrast, in 2012 – Salman Khan’s solo release ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ collected a solid Rs 320 million (32 crores) on its first day.

Even Akshay Kumar’s solo release ‘Rowdy Rathore’ has done comparatively better with Rs 152.5 million (Rs 15.25 crore) net on Day 1.

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ with its Rs. 152.5 million (15.25 crore) and Ajay Devgn’s ‘Son of Sardaar’ with a good Rs 107.5 million (Rs 10.75 crore) net combined created business above Rs 250 million (Rs 25 crore) net in one day!

Produced by Excel Entertainment, ‘Talaash’ hit screens yesterday, 30th November. The film garnered mixed reviews from critics, with an average rating of 3-3.5 stars across the board. Having released during a non-festive period, and being an Aamir Khan film, ‘Talaash’s first day report falls way below expectation.