Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Likely to Enter 100 Crore Club, Hollywood Movie The Wolverine Beats Bollywood New Releases on Friday
The Bollywood biopic based on India's legendary athlete, Milkha Singh, is having a stupendous run at the Indian box office. 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' has become the third top grosser of 2013, with estimated Rs. 92 crore (INR) collected in three weeks at the Indian box office and still counting. The movie is all set to enter the exclusive 100 crore (INR) club this week.
The movie had failed to get positive reviews from the critics but is enjoying immense commercial success. Bollywoodhungama's verdict: The movie "remained the first choice of moviegoers despite a plethora of new releases. The film is a one-horse race. It is heading towards Rs 100 cr mark and is a super hit."
Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is expected to have a long run at the Indian box office. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Goa have given it a tax-free status. There is a growing demand to make it tax-free in the state of Jharkhand.
"Our film's reach has exceeded all our expectations. We knew Milkhaji's story would have a resonant emotional impact. But we couldn't have guessed it would reach so far and wide," Mr Mehra said to Hindustan Times.
In comparison, the new releases 'Nasha', 'Issaq' and 'Bajatey Raho' had a dull opening weekend. According to Koimoi.com, 'Nasha' and 'Issaq' collected around 3 crore (INR), while in comparison, 'Bajatey Raho' fared a little better, raking in nearly 4.75 crore (INR) at the Indian box office.
Hollywood movie, 'The Wolverine', beat the Bollywood new releases on its opening day at the Indian Box Office. It had occupancy of 65 per cent on Friday.
"As expected, Hollywood overpowers Bollywood at the domestic box office. 'The Wolverine' collects Rs 3.15 crore nett on Friday (all languages)," Taran Adarsh, trade analyst and movie critic, had posted on Twitter.
'Bhag Milkha Bhag' stars Farhan Akhtar, who plays Milkha Singh, and Sonam Kapoor. It is Farhan Akhtar's biggest solo hit as an actor.