Padmaavat Day 1 collections: Bhansali's period drama earns Rs 24 cr amid massive protests

New Delhi: Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus has been mired in controversies ever since its inception. The film faced massive protests from certain fringe groups across the nation, demanding a pan India ban on the period drama.

After braving all odds, Padmaavat hit the screens on January 25, 2018, and had preview shows days ahead of the nationwide release at some places. Noted film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter and shared the Day 1 collection of the venture.

Despite non-screening in few states and protests/disturbances, #Padmaavat fares VERY WELL on Day 1... Had it been a peaceful/smooth all-India release, the biz would’ve touched ₹ 28 / ₹ 30 cr... Wed [limited preview screenings] 5 cr, Thu 19 cr. Total: ₹ 24 cr. India biz.

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 26, 2018

#Padmaavat is ROCKING today [26 Jan 2018; holiday]... Sat and Sun also expected to be HUGE.

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 26, 2018

Amid tension and massive protests in the country, the film managed to gross exceptionally well internationally in Australia, UK and New Zealand. The film's overseas collection in these countries (Paid review) has already beaten colossal hit Baahubali II: The Conclusion and Dangal respectively.

#Padmaavat takes a FANTABULOUS START in key international markets on Thu...
AUSTRALIA: A$ 367,984 [₹ 1.88 cr]
NEW ZEALAND: NZ$ 64,265 [₹ 29.99 lakhs]
UK [preview screenings]: £ 97,604 [₹ 88.08 lakhs]@Rentrak

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 26, 2018

With overseas figures already riding high at the Box Office, Padmaavat has got a big thumbs up from the audience.

The film faced massive protests by fringe groups claiming that the filmmaker has distorted historical facts in the film. However, Bhansali time and again mentioned that none of these claims is true.

The film was initially scheduled to hit the screens on December 1, 2017.