"The Ghazi Attack", starring actor Rana Daggubati, minted Rs 15.75 crore across India during its opening weekend cumulatively from its Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions. The film's team is overwhelmed.
Touted as India's first underwater war film, "The Ghazi Attack" opened to Rs 4.25 crore (all India) on February 17 and maintained a steady growth throughout the weekend by collecting Rs 5.25 crore on Saturday and Rs 6.25 crore on Sunday.
The film's Hindi version earned Rs 6.70 crore, the makers said in a statement. The movie is said to be based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Rana said in a statement: "The reception of the film in multiple languages in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu has been extremely overwhelming. In my seven years as an actor, I haven't seen any film that I have been a part of or cinema in general that has been given accolades like this.
"It has also become a very important film for everybody here, for the country itself."
Actor Atul Kulkarni said: "It's extremely heartening that the numbers that are turning into the theatres to see 'The Ghazi Attack'. It's really overwhelming. What is more overwhelming is the intensity of the response of the audience."
Kay Kay Menon, who has been hugely appreciated for his role, said: "I am extremely thrilled with the response. It has till now done great business. We are very thankful to the audience."
Team Hopes It's Made Tax-free
The actors of "The Ghazi Attack" -- which has collected Rs 15.75 crore across India during its first weekend -- hope the movie is declared tax-free across India.
Actor Rana Daggubati, who leads the stellar cast, said in a statement: "We have already submitted the film for tax-exemption and we are hoping the government will recognise cinema like this, will recognise heroes like this and take this forward to more and more audiences."
Rana features in the film as Lieutenant Commander Arjun Varma, who was part of a mission conducted by the Indian Navy against the Pakistani naval force in 1971. Varma is said to have remained underwater for 18 days during the war.
The movie, helmed by Sankalp Reddy, has garnered strong recommendation from audience and critics alike.
Actor Atul Kulkarni said: "I think the tremendous response has made the government take cognisance of 'The Ghazi Attack' and it will soon be a tax-free film."
Kay Kay Menon, who too has a key role, said: "We have applied for the tax-free bracket and I'm very sure that the government will oblige and give this film a tax-free certificate."
