"Dilwale" remains ahead of "Bajirao Mastani" in the box office race. While the Shah Rukh Khan starrer crossed the Rs.100 crore mark worldwide in its opening weekend, the historical drama, featuring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, minted Rs.46.77 crore in India in three days.

"Dilwale", Rohit Shetty's romantic action-comedy, has collected Rs.121 crore in its opening weekend worldwide. It's India business stands at Rs.65.09 crore, and it made $8.5 million (approximately Rs.56 crore) from the overseas market. Both the films released on Friday.

Starring Shah Rukh, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon in pivotal roles, "Dilwale" is receiving a hearty response abroad, says trade analyst Komal Nahta.

"Dilwale Overseas: Gulf - biggest ever opening for a Bollywood film, and the number one film this weekend, higher than 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' and other films," Nahta posted on Twitter.

"Britain - highest opening for a Bollywood film in 2015. Australia - biggest opening of 2015, biggest ever for SRK. Malaysia - biggest opening for a Bollywood film. New Zealand - number two on box office charts. US - number nine in top 10 chart," he added.

The collection of "Bajirao Mastani" witnessed a good hike over the weekend and the film is going strong in theatres with positive word of mouth, according to trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

"#BajiraoMastani is unstoppable. Super word of mouth translates into super biz. Friday Rs.12.80 crore, Saturday Rs.15.52 crore, Sunday Rs.18.45 crore. Total: Rs.46.77 crore," Adarsh tweeted.

"Bajirao Mastani" made Rs.12.80 crore on its opening day after releasing in 3,050 screens in India, while it is reported that "Dilwale" made its way into as many as 2,700 screens.

As both films are made on a budget of over Rs.100 crore, the coming days would be crucial for them in theatres.

There would be no competition for "Dilwale" and "Bajirao Mastani" on Christmas and January 1, so they will have sufficient time to prove their mettle.

(Source: IANS)