Riding on its unique storyline, set in the backdrop of the post 9/11 scenario in the US, and brilliant performances by its lead cast, including career best performances by Katrina Kaif and John Abraham, ‘New York’, directed by National award winning filmaker Kabir Khan, has drawn cinegoers in huge numbers to the theatres after an over two month-long dry spell at the box office.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, ‘New York’, which earned a whopping Rs 35 crore in its opening weekend worldwide, had grossed a phenomenal Rs 55 crores worldwide in its first week to become the biggest hit of 2009 so far, sources in Yash Raj Films said.

Featuring film stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan and released in over 900 screens worldwide on June 26, has received critical acclaim as well as audience appreciation world over ever since its release.

Based on the post-9/11 events in the United States, it had an impressive opening weekend across all markets.

'New York' opened at the number three slot on the Australian charts and at number ten in the UK on its opening weekend. It has also been the top weekend earner in the UAE for 2009.

Based on the post 9/11 events in the US, New York is a contemporary story of friendship set against the larger than life backdrop of a city often described as the centre of the world. Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh) gors abroad for the first time in his life and soon enough he begins to see America through the eyes of his American friends Sam (John Abraham) and Maya (Katrina Kaif).

However, the beautiful lives of these three friends turns upside down by larger events beyond their control in the post-9/11 scenario.

At this point enters Agent Roshan (Irrfan), an FBI undercover agent who sets the ball rolling for a series of tumultuous events that turn the lives of these friends into a dangerous and thrilling roller coaster ride.

The film has also got rave reviews for performances by its lead cast including Katrina Kaif, John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Infact, many critics have termed Katrina Kaif's performance in the film as the best of her career. The critics have also praised the acting of John Abraham in the movie. Analysts say John’s performance in the film has also been his career best, thus changing his image of being a good looking actor with high sex apeal but not much acting talent.

What is, however, most heartening is the fact that the film has finally brought people back to the theatres. Infact, the excellent show by the film in the first week, especially at the multiplexes, has put back life in the film industry, which has been reeling under heavy losses for the past few months.

And, with the audiences still flocking to the theatres, it seems set to become one of the biggest hits of 2009.