New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor starrer "Mausam", a hardcore romantic drama received mixed reviews, but it had a good start - the film has earned Rs.22 crore in the opening weekend.

Pankaj Kapoor's directorial debut, the film tracks the story of a couple forced to stay apart by socio-political situations and how after 10 years of separation they reunite and live happily after.

Made at a budget of Rs. 35 crore, "Mausam" was released across 1,900 screens and earned Rs.22 crore over three days - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. People liked Shahid's performance and the story, but they found the film lengthy.

"The weekend has been good. We had 90 percent occupancy although it dropped on Monday. People are liking the content but the duration of the film is very long which acts as a deterrent," Puneet Sahay, senior manager for programming and operations at Spice Cinemas told IANS.

Some film critics have praised it, others have found the film an average one. Despite the average reviews, the film has got a decent response, says Munish Sharma of Satyam Cinemas.

"Although 'Mausam' hasn't got a bumper start, the response to the film has been decent. The average reviews don't seem to have affected it as the response at the box-office has been good. Both Shahid and Sonam's acting is being appreciated," said Sharma.

Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (Cinemas) of Wave Cinemas, feels that the film lacks flow.

"The film goes criss-cross. It lacks flow. Moreover its 2.45 hour duration makes it a tough watch although both Shahid and Sonam have played their parts nicely. The film has received a decent response in the NCR as both the actors have a good fan following, it failed to impress people in Uttar Pradesh," said Raizada.