So far success has eluded Bollywood at the box office, what with a biggie like 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola' going down at the box office and only 'Table No. 21' managing face saving collections. However wait for a true blue money spinner continues with as many as five weeks gone by since the release of 'Dabangg 2'.

This is all the more important reason for 'Race 2' to take a big opening at the box office so that exhibitors too have something to cheer about. With the film carrying one of the hugest budgets in the recent times, all eyes are on how far would this Abbas-Mustan affair go.

Let us first take a look in the past. Exactly a year back when 'Agneepath' had released on the Republic Day weekend, it had created a new opening day record (22 crores) while eclipsing the earlier record set by 'Bodyguard'. Moreover, it had gone on to accumulate over 60 crores at the box office in its extended four day weekend. Since 'Race 2' has only a three day weekend for itself and Republic Day too falls on a Saturday, one can't expect the film to come anywhere close to 'Agneepath' numbers.

However it did have good chances to come somewhere close to these numbers, given it's cast, canvas, setting, good music and most importantly the sequel factor.

Surprisingly though, the kind of hype and buzz is not quite in line with the inherent merits that the film carries. Of course it's the content that would have the biggest role to play in the eventual outcome of the film but from the opening numbers perspective, the film could have gathered much stronger steam.

This means that the film's opening can be expected to be good, if not great. Since 'Race 2' would be seeing a massive release for itself, one can expect collections in the range of 60%-70% with premium multiplexes fetching higher numbers. Needless to say, the film is also all set to earn Saif Ali Khan his best opening till date and also present him his real chance to step into the 100 crore club.

Another release of the week is 'AkaashVani' and though by the face of it, the film looks like yet another light hearted movie in the offering by director Luv Ranjan (of 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' fame), competition from 'Race 2' would have a role to play in it's opening. Once can just hope that just like 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', this one too catches well on the word of mouth and finds its audience.

There is also the much delayed 'Main Krishna Hoon' releasing this weekend. However despite cameos by Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, it doesn't stand a chance at the box office.