MUMBAI: A staggering 74.5 million people across the country tuned into the television premiere of the Salman Khan starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan on Star Gold, which is close to three times the number of people that watched the movie in theatres.

According to the all India data (Urban + Rural) provided by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, Star Gold emerged as the number one movie channel in the Hindi movie genre riding on the back of the world television premiere of Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Star Gold grabbed the first position in the genre with 486374 (000Sums). The film has garnered a whopping 25 million TVTs (HSM CS 4+ Urban and Rural), an unprecedented number in the history of Indian television. 

Star India Hindi movie business executive vice president and general manager Hemal Jhaveri said, “Staying true to our brand identity, Home of Blockbusters, Star Gold promises to bring the biggest films to its viewers within a short span of their theatrical release. We are overwhelmed by the response on Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The film’s ratings are a strong validation that our strategy is aligned with the viewers’ demands. At Star Gold, we stand committed to our viewers and trade partners in our promise of bringing the biggest blockbusters on television.”

The channel had rolled out a massive marketing campaign for the premiere. After its premiere on television, Star also made available the movie on its over the top (OTT) platform Hotstar.