Director Sajid Khan hits hattrick with Housefull 2: The Dirty Dozen, which has grossed Rs. 72 crore worldwide and become the second biggest opening of the year after Agneepath, which earned Rs.75 crore. Released Friday, the film, co-produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, grossed Rs. 57 crore in India and Rs.15 crore overseas so far.

"Despite releasing during the IPL cricket frenzy, Housefull 2 has opened well in theatres across India. With its strong weekend performance, we believe Housefull 2 has also lived up to its name like predecessor," Nandu Ahuja, senior vice president, India Theatrical, Eros International Media Ltd, said in a statement.

Sajid Khan's last two directorial ventures - Heyy Babyy and Housefull - were huge hits.

A sequel to 2010 release Housefull, the film's cast is called dirty dozen that comprises of Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Riteish Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Asin Thottumkal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Zarine Khan and Shahzan Padamsee. It also features veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Boman Irani.