An industry analyst explains, "No actor dares to release his film during the first and last week of the IPL, which are considered the most significant weeks of the tournament. But Akshay and producer Sajid Nadiadwala took a chance and it has paid off.

" The film took a strong opening in both multiplexes as well as single screen theatres, thanks to a mega-cast, aggressive promotion, a popular soundtrack and of course, the presence of Akki. Nadiadwala is all smiles, ""Housefull 2" has taken the biggest opening for Akshay Kumar and my production house, Nadiadwala Grandsons.

It is also Akshay's biggest hit overseas. In India the IPL hasn't affected it at all.

As of now, it's among big openers like "Bodyguard" and "3 Idiots", but these films released during festive periods (Eid or Christmas)." In the overseas market, Akshay's new release is all set to rewrite history.

"Housefull 2" is his biggest opener in the UAE so far. In the UK, the film topped the charts over the weekend.

Not just that, his performance in the film too has been lauded. So this time, it's a double whammy for AK.

Director Sajid Khan is also ecstatic about the response to his film. "All screens are going housefull," he says.

"I attribute a major part of its success to Akshay. He's been a superstar for the last eight years or so and will be one for many more years to go.

The best thing about the film is that Akshay's work has been appreciated a lot. As far as the IPL is concerned, I have always maintained that if it's an entertaining film, it doesn't matter when it comes - the audience will accept it and that's precisely what's happened with this film.

" Akshay Kumar is on a roll. Now, all eyes are on his next release, "Rowdy Rathore".

The film will see him returning to hard-core action and its promo is already a rage (less)