Shah Rukh Khan makes thunderous cinema hall return with Pathaan

The first show of the highly anticipated film was screened as early as 6 am in various cities.

Fan clubs celebrated Shah Rukh's return to the silver screens though the reviews of the film are yet to drop in.

An action-packed film, Pathaan stars actors Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in the lead.

Going by the trend of advance bookings, Pathaan is expected to earn at least around Rs. 35-40-crore on the opening day and trample some of the recent blockbusters like RRR, Brahmastra, KGF: Chapter 2 in terms of box office numbers.

The film is scheduled to be released in around 100 countries.

Pathaan is the fourth film where Shah Rukh and Deepika collaborated after Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express and Happy New Year.

The Siddharth Anand directorial film did not have a smooth sail as it was marred with controversy centred on Deepika's outfit in a song.

Several ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders had objected to Deepika's saffron-coloured bikini in the Besharam Rang song, which captured her sizzling on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh.

Following the suggestions of India's censor board (CBFC), Pathaan was released with U/A certificate.