Finally, after a long wait, 'achche din aa gaye'. 2015 has been terrible as far as opening weekend for a film is concerned. Roy was the only film to cross the 10 crore mark and that too fizzled after two good days. Other than that, the only film to enjoy a decent weekend was Baby which went on to grow on word of mouth. Hence, all hopes hinged on Akshay Kumar to deliver again with 'Gabbar Is Back'. He managed to do that with the film which not only managed to take the best start of the year (with first day billing as 13 crore) but also a healthy weekend which managed to cross the 38 crore* mark.

Now this is the best opening weekend that a film has enjoyed this year and it is a heartening sign to see audience stepping into theaters all over again. What is all the more remarkable is to see the wide disconnect between a bunch of self-esteemed critics, who don't seem to enjoy Bollywood forever, and the 'aam junta' who want their dose of entertainment. While on one side there were one and two star ratings coming for the film from this select group, on other side there were patrons enjoying what first time Bollywood director Krish had to offer.

Coming to 'Gabbar Is Back', the film is set to enjoy good hold right through the week and then penetrate well into the second week as well.

As for the second release of the week, Sabki Bajegi Band, it has gone totally unnoticed with neither audience nor critics interested in checking out what it had to offer. Yet another disaster in Bollywood's kitty.

*Final numbers awaited

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Watch 'Gabbar Is Back' Trailer