MUMBAI: Agneepath is the first 2012 release to enter the Rs 1-billion club. The Hrithik Roshan-starrer, produced by Dharma Productions, has become the 10th film to have joined the prestigious club on the 11th day of its release.

The Rs 1-billion club opened in 2008, when Ghajini and 3 Idiots achieved identical numbers within nine days of their release. 2010, however, saw only two films, Dabangg (10 days) and Golmaal 3 (14 days), achieve the magical figure.

Last year turned out to be a heartening period for all big ticket films. Ready (15 days), Singham (7 weeks), Bodyguard (7 days), Ra.One (10 days) and Don 2 (15days) succeeded in joining the Rs 1-billion club in quick succession.

With the exception of Ready, most of the films that reached the Rs 1-billion mark were released on a national holiday followed by a 4-5 day weekend. While Salman Khan’s Bodyguard released on Eid, Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra.One opened on Diwali and his Don 2 released on Christmas.

Incidentally, Agneepath released on Republic Day.