MUMBAI: The Pink Panther 2, the sequel to the 2006 film Pink Panther, has raked in Rs 10 million during its opening weekend at the India box office.

Distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Films India, the film was released in 40 screens (35 prints and 5 digital) across India in English.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Films India managing director Kercy Daruwala said, “Though we released the film with only 40 prints in the first phase and that too around examination time, I guess it was the curiosity factor and great fan following of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan which further helped us garner an impressive opening collection of Rs.10 million plus across India.”

The sequel, directed by Harald Zwart, stars Steve Martin as he reprises the role of intrepid-if-bumbling French police detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Martin is joined by co-stars Jean Reno (as Ponton, his partner) and Emily Mortimer (as Nicole, the object of his awkward affections). The cast also includes Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.