New Delhi, Feb. 2 -- Amazon's documentary Melania opened with a strong $7 million ( Rs.64 crore) at the domestic box office. It marked the biggest opening for a non-music documentary in more than 10 years.

This result stands out because documentaries rarely drive large ticket sales. Most releases in the past decade opened below $5 million and usually earned between $10 and $20 million ( Rs.184 crore) worldwide, according to Comscore data.

Women and viewers aged 55 and over accounted for more than 70% of ticket sales, leading to more than 70% of earnings. Rural cinemas contributed 46% of total collections, well above their usual 30% share, according to CNBC.

These theatres serve towns with populations under 5 lakh. Data from EntTelligen...