'Matru Ki Bijlee' collects Rs 22.4 crore in first weekend

New Delhi: Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola' made Rs.22.4 crore during its opening weekend. The filmmaker is content with the response to his new project, which is satirical in nature.

"Our country is going through a massive transition. I wanted to make a film about the social and political scene in the country, but wanted to do it in a humorous tone. The response from the public and especially the young adults, has made me realise that Indian audiences are open to satire that does not always state the obvious," Bhardwaj said in a statement.

The movie collected Rs.7.02 crore on its opening day when it released Jan 11.

The opening day and the weekend collections are the highest ever for Bhardwaj, who has directed films 'Maqbool', 'Kaminey' and 'Omkara'.

Co-produced by Bhardwaj and Fox Star Studios, 'Matru Ki...' was made at a budget of about Rs.33 crore.

Set in the rustic surroundings of a village in Haryana, 'Matru Ki...' is about Harry Mandola (Pankaj Kapur), an industrialist, who loves his drink, daughter Bijlee (Anushka Sharma) and the unusual bond he shares with his Man Friday Matru (Imran Khan).

With Monday being a holiday due to the festival of Makar Sankranti and Pongal, the movie is expected to get more footfalls.

Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, feels 'Matru Ki...' is the new age 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro'.

"'Matru Ki...' is a very special film. It has the audacity to take on real issues in our society, but present them with such wicked wit manner. It is funny, intelligent and cool. It is the new age 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro'. The film is being appreciated by multiplex audiences across north-India, Bangalore and Hyderabad," said Singh.

Praising the film, industry experts Anurag Kashyap and Pritish Nandy shared their views on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"It is the most kick***, funny film. Intelligent and relevant film of our times," tweeted Kashyap, known for his distinct style and offbeat cinema.

Pritish Nandy wrote: "Wicked wit. Pankaj Kapur proving again his peerless acting prowess."