Historical drama Victoria and Abdul starring Dame Judi Dench and Bollywood heartthrob Ali Fazal debuted in 10 territories over the weekend, grossing $4.7m. The UK territory alone garnered $2.6m, enough for it to earn second place at the UK Box Office.

Victoria and Abdul was this week’s highest new entrant and recorded director Stephen Frears’ best ever UK debut. Universal’s biopic marched to a healthy $2.6m from its ambitious 607 sites. The film is now expected to achieve good midweek results too. This would be the highest box office collection record of a Hollywood film with an Indian star in a titular role.

Ali is ecstatic with the development. He said “I just can’t believe we are above such wonderful movies. Movies with people I love and their work being a genius. The box office is a different ball game I suppose. So I guess I am happy. We are topping the charts after “IT” the movie.”