MEXICO CITY (XINHUA) - A movie based on the prison breakout of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman triumphed at the box office during its opening weekend in Mexico, local media reported on Sunday (Jan 17).

The film, El Chapo: The Escape of the Century, ranked as the second biggest money-maker on its first day, after only Hollywood feature Point Break, according to the daily El Universal. El Chapo: The Escape of the Century drew 144 viewers per screening, while the US remake attracted 154 viewers.

The movie, which depicts how Guzman planned and executed his second escape from a maximum security prison via a tunnel leading to a safe house 1.5km away, brought in 800,000 pesos (S$63,100) on its opening day.

In an interview with news magazine Proceso prior to the film's premiere, director Axel Uriegas said that by watching the film, "we get to know those possibly involved in the escape, from the political level to his personal life".

The authorities say they have detained scores of people, mainly prison personnel, who are believed to have helped Guzman's escape in July.

Asked to comment on the official version of Guzman's escape - fleeing through a tunnel, Uriegas said answering the question would spoil an important part of the film. "I'd rather invite you to see it and reach your own conclusions," the director said.