Akshay Kumar’s much-hyped movie Padman hit theatres on February 9, 2018. The social-drama based on the life Arunachalam Muruganantham aka the Indian sanitary pad revolutionary has been in much news because of its content and promotional gimmicks before its release, however, has failed to get off to an impressive start at the domestic box office on Day 1. The opening day box office collection is Rs 10.26 crores which is way behind Deepika Padukone’s Padmaavat first day BO collection of Rs 19 crores (this is without counting Rs 5 crores in paid preview). Akshay Kumar would have hoped for a better box office report of Padman considering the extensive promotional activities he participated to rouse the audiences.

Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to share the box office figures of Padman writing, "#PadMan has a DECENT start... Fri Rs 10.26 cr... The biz, expectedly, picked up towards evening/night shows... The journey ahead is crucial... Sat + Sun should witness strong growth for a good weekend total... India biz."

Fans and critics were hoping Padman to become Akshay Kumar’s highest opening day collector of his career, but it has badly disappointed. His 2015 film Singh Is Bliing with Rs 20.67 crores continue to be on top of the list followed by Housefull 3 (Rs 15.21 crores) and Brothers (Rs 15.20 crores). In fact, Padman has earned less than 2016 released movie Holiday, which was the lowest on the list with 12 crores on its opening day. Well, Khiladi Kumar would hope Padman earns good word of mouth and picks up on minting cash at the box office.

In the R Balki-directorial, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has stepped into the shoes of national hero Arunachalam Muruganantham; the inventor of low-cost sanitary napkins for women in rural areas. Produced by Twinkle Khanna's Mrs Funnybones Productions, 'PadMan' also stars Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 11, 2018 01:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).