`Jannat' receives huge response in India, Pakistan

Mumbai, May 17 (IANS) In spite of initial discouraging reports, Mukesh Bhatt's film "Jannat" recorded 85 percent collection in Mumbai on the first day of its release Friday.

Mukesh Bhatt, producer of the film, told IANS the movie received a huge response and the collection on the first day was on an average 85 to 90 percent all over India as well as in Pakistan.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh said: "It's surprising that the film got such a huge opening. It's over 90 percent all over India." He said that he is not aware of the figures in Pakistan but hoped the film does well there too.

"Emraan is like Shahrukh Khan in Pakistan, so the film is bound to do well there," Taran added.

Mahesh Bhatt said Percept Pictures Company has bought the world rights of the film "Jannat" for Rs.110 million. He refused to divulge any details about the deal.

"People called me from various parts of India and also from Pakistan and appreciated my performance," said Sonal Chauhan, who is playing the love interest of a cricket bookie played by Emraan Hashmi.

"I am overwhelmed by the phone calls that I am receiving. I am very happy that the film got such a good response on its first day," the debutant actress said here Saturday.

Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Bhootnath" recorded an average collection of 45 percent in Mumbai in the first week. The film is reported to be doing well in the Pakistan box office.

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