'Dangal' leads in overseas collections as well, shows running housefull in US

'Dangal' has become the second biggest opener of the year in India after Salman Khan's 'Sultan'. The film is equally doing a great job in the US where maximum number of the theatres are sold out.

Released on December 23, the Aamir Khan-starrer has especially brightened Christmas holiday weekend in the US for Indian Americans as it is running in majority of the mainstream halls.

The film's inspiring story and strong word-of-mouth has made it a must watch for the audience during holiday season.

In Houston and its suburbs eight shows have been running daily since December 23, and each show is booked in advance, resulting in long queues for the tickets.

"We came thrice since saturday and couldn't buy tickets for the show. We wanted to as they were all sold out already," a moviegoer said.

"Despite advance bookings we had to stand in line for an hour to get inside the theater and have good seats," another cinema enthusiast said.

Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Dangal' chronicles the story of former Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trains his daughters Geeta and Babita in wrestling.

A lot of people in Houston proudly rose to their feet for the National Anthem which plays near the end.

"It was a great feeling standing up for Indian National Anthem", an audience said.