Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone's high-flying patriotic IAF thriller Fighter makes 22 crores at domestic BO on opening day

The movie, which featured Bollywood's heartthrobs Hrithik and Deepika Padukone for the first time together onscreen, is expected to record a spike in Box Office collection over the extended weekend which began on Friday with Republic Day celebrations.

"Fighter earned 22.00 Cr India net on its first day for all languages (early estimates)," read Sacnilk analyst website.

Expectations are high from the action-thriller, based once again on the age old rivalry between warring neighbours India and Pakistan, which is also the first major release of the year.

The film has references to the 2019 Pulwama attack, where Pakistan-based terrorists had left 40 Indian soldiers martyred. The plot also shows India's counterattack with an airstrike in Balakot.

Hrithik, Deepika and Anil Kapoor play the IAF officers in the film.

The movie promises to fly high based on its strong stunt actions, well executed VFX, Hrithik Roshan's charisma, powerful performances by Deepika, Anil Kapoor and the patriotism flavour.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor's Fighter hits big screens

The film is released on the occasion of the country's Republic Day celebration.

Fighter director Siddharth Anand had previously cast Hrithik in two of his films, Bang Bang and War while Deepika in Bachna Ae Haseeno and 'Pathaan'.