Real Steel reigns at No. 1 at domestic b-o

MUMBAI: Real Steel, distributed by Disney has topped the domestic box office chart with an intake of $27.3 million. Overseas, the DreamWorks film starring Hugh Jackman grossed an impressive $22.1 million for a worldwide debut of $49.4 million.

In North America, the film succeeded in luring younger moviegoers, who have been noticeably absent from the multiplex in recent months, as well as posting one of the better openings for early October.

Real Stee, a film on Robot boxing, l launched over the weekend in 19 foreign territories, of which only three of which are major markets like Russia, Australia and Mexico. The film opened on top in each of the territories grossing $6.9 million in Russia, $5.4 million in Australia and $2.9 million in Mexico.

"The film succeeded in playing to a variety of demos," said Disney executive vice president of distribution Dave Hollis, adding that families made up 25 per cent of the audience, teenagers 15 per cent and couples 60 per cent, many of whom were younger.

The George Clooney-directed The Ides of March ranked at No. 2 in its debut, grossing $10.4 million. "The acting is absolutely tremendous. You coudn‘t take your eyes off any one of these actors," Sony president of worlwide distribution Rory Bruer said of the film.