Film becomes box office hit, gets congratulatory call from Carl Lewis
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the Farhan Akhtar-starring film about legendary Indian Olympian Milkha Singh, which raked in over $647,000 in the United States, making it the 15th highest grossing film at this past weekend’s box office, may now be given a tax break in Maharashtra, so tickets can become more affordable and reach a wider audience. The filmmakers are appealing to the Maharashtra government to waive the film’s mandatory entertainment tax.
“There is a procedure, which the production needs to follow. According to us, the film qualifies [for] that [tax break],” said Akhtar.
The film’s patriotic themes, combined with its uplifting and inspiring message, has struck a chord with Indian audiences worldwide. The film made approximately 40 crores in its opening week in India. Critics have also fallen in love with the film, while Bollywood’s best and brightest have declared the film as one of the best to come along in recent times.
Shahrukh Khan, who Akhtar directed in Don and Don 2, called the film “a lovely experience,” while Hrithik Roshan, who Akhtar directed in Lakshya and acted alongside in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, lauded the film as “phenomenal.” Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, after seeing the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, blogged that the film was “too emotionally and creatively moving to [describe] in words.”
There were also reports of Olympian Carl Lewis calling up Milkha Singh after watching the film, to convey his appreciation and respect for “The Flying Sikh.”
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, whose previous films include Rang De Basanti and Delhi-6, is confident that the tax break for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag will be granted. He and Akhtar met with Maharastra Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat on Wednesday to discuss the matter, a meeting which supposedly went quite well.
“We don`t apply for every film, but [we are applying] for this film because we want it to reach those for whom ticket prices are high and who wait for it to come on TV. So they will also get to see it in the current atmosphere,” Akhtar said. “A lot of schools, which want to show the film to the students, are also calling us. So, if the film is tax-free for them, it will be beneficial. Besides, a percentage of the collection of the film also goes to Milkha Singh`s foundation and it will also benefit [that].”
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is currently playing in cinemas around the world. It co-stars Sonam Kapoor, Prakash Raj, and Pawan Malhotra. The music, available on Sony Music, is by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
To contact the author, email to deepakchitnis@americanbazaaronline.com