Indian films are making waves at the North American box office. Nag Ashwin’s Telugu sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD and Diljit Dosanjh’s Punjabi romantic comedy Jatt & Juliet 3 have both entered the top 10 weekend performers, according to Deadline. Kalki 2898 AD, touted as the most expensive Indian film to date, secured the the number 5 spot, earning $5.4 million over the weekend in North America. Its total has reached $11 million, including earnings from Wednesday previews and Thursday’s opening day, marking the biggest opening for an Indian film in North America. The film’s first footage was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con last year.
If Telugu cinema is excelling, Punjabi is not far behind. Jatt & Juliet 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, earned $1.8 million over the weekend, placing it at number 9 and bringing its total to $1.9 million at the North American box office. Diljit’s Coachella performance and his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon have boosted his US popularity.