The Weinstein Company’s “Lion” earned an estimated $128,368 in four theaters, amounting to the holiday weekend’s highest per-screen average of $32,092.
The PG-13 drama stars Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara and revolves around a man in search of his lost family in India. It has a 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jessica Chastain in EuropaCorps’ “Miss Sloane” made $63,000 from three locations, for a per screen average of $21,000. The suspenseful R-rated mystery, which has a 72 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, centers on the most formidable lobbyist in Washington D.C. as she takes on a powerful opponent.
Roadside Attractions’ “Manchester by the Sea” stayed strong as it expanded into 48 locations in its second weekend, earning an estimated $1.3 million for a very strong $26,048 per theater.
Reliance Big Pictures comedy “Dear Zindagi,” an import from India, earned $1.5 million from 153 theaters, reflecting a per screen average of $7,078.
European scary movie “Evolution,” distributed by IFC, earned $6,927 from three locations for a per screen average of $2,309. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 78 percent.
Music Box Films documentary “Seasons” made only $26,723 from 13 locations, amounting to $2,056 per screen. It has a 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
From here, TWC’s “Lion” will have a steady platform expansion going moderately wide by Christmas — along the lines of past releases “The Imitation Game,” “The King’s Speech” and “The Artist.”