KARACHI, Aug 12: The Shahrukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer Indian film Chennai Express has rocked Karachi’s cinema houses and cineplexes. It literally eclipsed all other releases on Eid day by a big margin, and though the exact earnings of the film are yet to be ascertained because it’s been less than a week since Chennai Express hit the cinema screens, film distributors and exhibitors are raving about the way the film has been received by film buffs.

Talking to Dawn, the General Manager of Capri Cinema Aziz Khan said, “Being Pakistani we like to promote our local films, therefore we ran Ishq Khuda for two days but it didn’t attract sufficient audiences. On the other hand Chennai Express is doing a roaring business from the first show. As I speak with you (Aug 12), we have a houseful show at Capri. We want Pakistani films to succeed but they should be like Khuda Ke Liyey or Chambeli. Ishq Khuda was perhaps meant for the Punjab circuit.”

The head of marketing at the Atrium Cinema Anita Kenneth said,

“From day one till Aug 14 Chennai Express is sold out. Let me tell you an interesting thing on Aug 14 even the morning show (10.45am) is booked. And I’m talking about the bigger halls.”

Shedding light on the reason for the film’s overwhelming success Ms Kenneth said, “It’s a typical Rohit Shetty comedy and masala movie. Then of course the glamorous Deepika Padukone is in the movie. Apart from Chennai Express, I’d say The Wolverine did reasonably well, mainly because of Hugh Jackman. Monsters University packed the halls on Sunday because a lot of children came to watch the film. As for Pakistani movies, Josh did pretty well on Eid days,” said Ms Kenneth.

Ali at Cinepax echoed the same thoughts. “Chennai Express has done very well and is expected to do well in the weeks to come.”