'Krrish' crosses over

Indian superhero pic flies high at B.O.

By SHILPA BHARATAN IYER

MUMBAI -- Local superhero movie "Krrish" took $15m at the Indian B.O. from over 1000 prints in its opening weekend. Total is a record for opening frame in India and advance ticket sales point to it passing $22 million by the third week.

Pic, released 23 June, was helmed by Rakesh Roshan and stars his son, teenage heart throb Hrithik, in the eponymous role.

“He has captured the imagination of children. And parents are accompanying their kids to enjoy the film, adding to the film’s charm at the BO.” trade analyst Taran Adarsh, said

“Krrish” is a sequel to the hugely successful 2003 hit "Koi Mil Gaya" ("Found Someone".) Budgeted at $10 million, it was produced by Filmkraft Productions.

Pic's performance has lifted Bollywood's B.O. total to some $70 million for the first half of the year.