MUMBAI: Welcome, which is being distributed worldwide by The Indian Film Company (IFC), has grossed Rs 571.8 million in its opening week.

In India, Welcome has grossed Rs 500 million on 900 prints. "This represents the highest opening week of all time for a comedy film in India and the highest opening week for its lead star Akshay Kumar," IFC said in a release.

In the UK, the film grossed Rs 42.8 million from 40 theatres and Rs 29 million from 60 theatres in North America. "In the UK, the film has made it into the UK top ten charts," the release said.

Welcome released in select territories across the world on 21 December. Said IFC CEO Sandeep Bhargava, "We are very pleased that Welcome has done so well in its first week, and look forward to it continuing to break further records. It is one of several films we have invested in and which we believe has the potential to deliver significant returns to our shareholders."

IFC, which is listed at the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) on the London Stock Exchange, acquired the worldwide distribution rights for Welcome in November 2007.

Welcome is directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Feroz Nadiadwala.