'RocknRolla' No. 1 at U.K. box office

LONDON, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla" was No. 1 at the U.K. box office when it made its world debut last weekend, Warner Bros. Entertainment U.K. Ltd. said Wednesday.

The London-set action comedy earned about $2.8 million its first weekend. It is to open in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto Oct. 8 with wider release Oct. 31.

Written and directed by Ritchie, "RocknRolla" is a story of "sex, thugs and rock 'n' roll," starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Toby Kebbell, the film studio said in a news release.

"We are delighted that 'RocknRolla' has been so well received by British cinema audiences, who love both the film and the great ensemble cast," Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros. U.K., said in a statement. "We think that the great reviews and strong word of mouth will carry the film well into autumn and congratulate Guy Ritchie and his creative team on this success."

Ritchie, who is married to pop star Madonna, also wrote and directed "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels."