R... Rajkumar
R... RajkumarFacebook/RRajkumar

Prabhu Deva's "R... Rajkumar" has surprised trade analysts with its smashing opening weekend collection. The masala entertainer has also recorded a strong first weekday (Monday) collection.

As per early estimates, the film has managed to rake in around ₹4.5-₹5 crore on Monday. The action romantic flick has passed the Monday test with flying colours.

The four-day total of the film now stands at over ₹35 crore. The film registered only a 50 percent drop in its collections, compared to Friday's earnings.

Initial trend suggested that negative reviews from critics would hamper the box office earnings of "R... Rajkumar".

But the film has performed extremely well in theatres across the country. Released in across 2,300 screens in India, the film has become a hit among audiences.

Unlike other big-budget films, the ticket prices of "R... Rajkumar" were not raised.The film churned out average earnings at the box office compared to other big films due to normal ticket rates.

If the same pace is maintained at ticket collections centres, then the film will take its first week total to more than ₹40 crore.

On the other hand, the film has not registered a good opening in overseas markets. "R... Rajkumar" opening weekend collection is lower than Shahid's "Phata Poster Nikla Hero", "Teri Meri Kahaani" and "Mausam".

The masala entertainer has raked in ₹5.52 crore from the international arena in its opening weekend. Except for UAE-GCC circuits, the collections at other circuits were relatively dull.

The lead actors of the film - Shahid Kapur and Sonakshi Sinha, took to Twitter to thank their fans for their love and support.

"Wanna thank each and everyone who went to see @RRTheFilm for all your pyaar pyaar pyaar .. This one has done well only cause of u all," Shahid tweeted.

"Your appreciation and pyaar have us dancing with joy. Thank YOU guys for all the love. #RRajkumar," Sonakshi said.