MUMBAI: Debut director Milind Ukey’s Paatshaala opened to a mixed response, with some multiplexes opening to a 40% response, whereas at some the opening was below the mark. Over the weekend, the film did pick up in the evening and night shows to about 50% occupancy. Paatshaala did a net business of approximately Rs 60 million (Rs 6 crore) in its opening weekend in India.

However the opening of the second release – Phoonk 2, was far from encouraging. The film opened at about 20 – 25% occupany and has not picked up over the weekend. The horror flick did a net business of Rs 30 million (Rs 3 crore) in its opening weekend.

While Paatshaala has been appreciated by people in general, there is a ray of hope that the film will catch up over the week by word of mouth. Chances of Phoonk 2 picking up over the week are grim as the film is limited only to people who like the horror genre.

Speaking to Businessofcinema.com Fun Cinemas COO Vishal Kapur said, "The opening of both the films have not been as expected. However Paatshaala has been appreciated by the people and we are expecting it to catch up over the week. Phoonkh 2 on the other hand has a limited audience."

PVR Cinemas programming head Prakhar Joshi added, "Paatshaala has picked up well over the weekend and it should hold the entire week. Phoonkh 2 had an average opening."

Cinemax India SVP Devang Sampat said, "Both the films have not done too great. The response to Paatshaala is good and the audience has liked the film. As for Phoonkh 2 it’s the youth who are more curious about the film. Over the week the films will have a mixed occupancy due to the ongoing final few IPL 3 matches."

All eyes are now on Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull and the forthcoming last four IPL matches in 3D. Some theaters have already opened their bookings for the 3D IPL matches and according to them the response has been very good especially with the corporate bookings.