Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhu Deva (Varinder Chawla)
Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Prabhu Deva at "R... Rajkumar" music launchVarinder Chawla

Shahid Kapoor-Sonakshi Sinha's "R... Rajkumar" (aka "RRajkumar") has earned ₹30.59 crore in its opening weekend at the domestic box office, according to Bollywood Hungama.

"R... Rajkumar" has surpassed the first weekend collections of "Bullett Raja", which raked in ₹23.3 crore. Despite getting negative reviews "R... Rajkumar" has managed to have a decent weekend from 6-8 December.

The film's business was good in single screens, whereas its business in multiplexes was average. The film minted ₹10.20 crore on its opening day, but its collections were expected to drop in the following days owing to negative feedback from critics. However, "R... Rajkumar" sprung a surprise and managed to hold its momentum in its opening weekend.

The film's decent performance should bring a sense of relief to Shahid, who has been going through a rough phase in his film career. The actor's past releases including "Mausam", "Milenge Milenge", "Teri Meri Kahaani" and "Phata Poster Nikhla Hero" have failed to set the cash registers ringing. However, "R... Rajkumar" is likely to revive Shahid's slugging career.

The film's sound tracks, promotional activities and a solo big release has worked in its favour and has ensured that it got a good opening. With the film raking in decent collections in its opening weekend, it is already in the safe zone. It remains to be seen as to how the film fares during weekdays.

The action entertainer will be facing strong competition from new releases this Friday (13 December) which includes "Jackpot", "Lucky Kabootar" and "What the Fish." If "R... Rajkumar" manages to hold its position until "Dhoom 3" releases, the film could fetch more revenues.

Directed by Prabhu Deva, "R... Rajkumar" has Sonu Sood, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mukul Dev, Srihari and Asrani in supporting roles. The film, reportedly made on a budget of ₹40 crore, is produced by Sunil Lulla of Eros International and Viki Rajani of Next gen films. Its music is handled by Pritam, whereas the background score is done by Sandeep Chowta.