Panipat box office collection Day 1: Sanjay Dutt's film off to a decent start

Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon's period drama Panipat seems to have got a good start at the box office. As per initial estimates, the film's first-day collection could easily go up to Rs 6 crore. Made on a budget of over Rs 100 crore, Panipat has received mixed reactions from both critics as well as the audience.

Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh said Ashutosh Gowariker's directorial is an "enthralling film", which salutes the bravery of Marathas. "Ashutosh Gowariker gets it right... Enthralling film that salutes the bravery of #Marathas... Patchy first half... Brilliant second half... Battle portions terrific... Sanju fiery, Arjun effective, Kriti excels," he tweeted.

Also read: Panipat box office collection: Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Kapoor and Kriti Sanon's film earns over 6 crore on Day 1

Lagaan-director Ashutosh Gowariker has made his comeback after three years on Panipat. The film is based on the third battle of Panipat which took place on the 14 of January in 1761 between the Marathas and the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali. Some people say the film's total duration of 3 hours could prove to be a deterrent for many viewers to come to the theatres.

Panipat has been released in over 1,500 screens in India and over 600 screens in the overseas market.

In Panipat, Arjun Kapoor plays the role of Sadashiv Rao Bhau, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Maratha army in the third battle of Panipat. Sanjay Dutt is seen as Ahmad Shah Abdali. Abdali is regarded as the founder of Afghanistan. Kriti Sanon is seen as Parvati Bai, the second wife of Sadashiv Rao Bhau.

Apart from these three, the other supporting cast of Panipat includes Mohnish Bahl as Nana Saheb Peshwa, Kunal Kapoor as Shuja-ud-Daula, Zeenat Aman as Sakina Begum and Padmini Kolhapure as Gopika Bai.

National Award-winning art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai recreated the majestic Shaniwar Wada (a historical fortification in Pune which was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire until 1818) at ND Studios. Neeta Lulla has designed the costumes.

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