Popular drama The King's Speech has made a killing at the local box office since opening on Boxing Day.
Over the New Year long weekend, the highly anticipated film raked in more than $3 million (across 101 screens) giving it a phenomenal $30,515 screen average.
Touted as an Oscar contender, the $15 million flick has generated $6,281,686 at the Aussie Box Office, which includes $461,288 from preview screenings.
Melbourne’s Cinema Nova had a late Christmas present this holiday season after the drama broke records for the theatre’s biggest opening week for a film, grossing more than $71,000 in just five days, shattering the previous record by other Oscar contender The Social Network.
In total, Nova has netted $167,000 from the film.
“After hosting both the Melbourne premiere as well as director Tom Hooper we’re proud that audiences are embracing this outstanding film with such enthusiasm,” Cinema Nova general manager Kristian Connelly said in a statement.
“It’s a testament to the Nova audience’s passion for the very best in quality cinema that The King’s Speech should experience such success in the face of Boxing Day sales, great weather and countless home entertainment options."
The current top grossing cinema Down Under for the film is Village Cinemas Rivoli in Melbourne, taking $181,000.
Other top locations include Hayden Orpheum Cremorne ($163,461), Dendy Cinemas Canberra ($154,691), Palace Cinemas Balwyn ($148,647), Event Cinemas Castle Hill ($135,370) and Event Cinemas Innaloo ($135, 047).
Having ties with Australia through producers Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, the UK production about King George VI (Colin Firth) who seeks the help of unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue (Rush) has made $US22.9 million (across 700 screens) in the United States since opening on limited screens on November 26.
"We are so delighted that audiences are being moved so deeply by this timeless story that celebrates such an unlikely friendship and introduces us to the story of Lionel Logue, an amazing Australian character," Sherman said in a statement.
For photos of the Sydney premiere click here, and to read an in-depth article on the film check out the November issue of Inside Film.