Gritty and violent Dublin crime drama Cardboard Gangsters is on track to become the biggest Irish film of the year at the Irish box office following another huge weekend for the movie.

The film, which was directed by Mark O’Connor and written by Love/Hate star John Connors, grossed €78k at the Republic of Ireland box office from 47 cinemas over the weekend and charted in 3rd position, just behind Hollywood blockbusters Transformers and Wonder Woman.

O’Connor’s previous films include King of The Travellers and Between The Canals. Connors also takes the lead role as Jay Connolly, a DJ and small time drug dealer in the northside Dublin suburb of Darndale who tries to move into the big league.

Cardboard Gangsters also stars Fionn Walton, whose previous films include Out of Here and Lenny Abrahamson's What Richard Did and Fish Tank and EastEnders star Kierston Wareing.

Mark O’Connor, John Connors and Kierston Wareingat the premiere of Cardboard Gangsters in Dublin

The film also opened in cinemas in Northern Ireland last Friday and the gross box office for the all 32 counties now stands at €192k, which is an increase of over 80% on last weekend’s figures.

The film has also won several international awards including including Best Film at the Manchester International Film Festival and has been received very strong reviews among critics including here on RTÉ Entertainment.

Another 10 new cinemas are due to open the film from this Friday, June 30.