It was always expected that 'Patiala House' would start on a lower note since it wasn't projected as a quintessential entertainer that one usually associates with Akshay Kumar. However the team of 'Patiala House' was in for a rude shock with the film opening only around 30%-40% across the country. This was even lesser than the low expectations one had as the first day read a mere 4 crores.

However there was respite round the corner with the collections showing a reasonable (if not mammoth) escalation as the weekend progressed. There were two reasons for that. First and foremost the film has been made for classes which meant that family footfalls could be expected only on Saturday and Sunday. Secondly, for Akshay Kumar and Nikhil Advani, it was a challenge to entice audience into stepping in theaters all over again after 'Chandni Chowk To China'.

Nevertheless, all around positive reviews and good word of mouth for 'Patiala House' ensured that some damage control was taken care of with weekend closing around the 16 crore mark. Of course one expects a higher total for an Akshay Kumar starrer but given the fact that the film was always meant to be a word of mouth affair rather than a quick earner over the weekend, 'Patiala House' has found some stable ground for itself.

A lot would now depend on how the second weekend performs as it would be crucial to decide the eventual fate of the film. Though low cost of making and the prices at which it has been sold would ensure that coverage is not an issue, 'Patiala House' would be aiming for bigger gains. Reason being that it is after years that Akshay Kumar has seen unanimously positive reviews coming his way (last one remembers is 'Namaste London'). Also for Nikhil Advani, it is no less redeeming as after 'Chandni Chowk To China', he has seen a complete turnaround in fortunes for him as far as reputation gains are concerned.

Other releases of the week - 'Angel' and 'Aashiqui.in' - didn't even find a proper release for themselves. Released at only a few screens and that too in scattered centres in some parts of the country, these small time films didn't even gain any visibility for themselves, let alone being reviewed positively or negatively. Going completely unnoticed, these nameless affairs were disasters from day one itself.