Wednesday, July 8, 2026
ADVT 
Bollywood

Interested In More Eyeballs Than Box Office Collections: Akshay Kumar

IANS, 28 Jul, 2017 08:33 PM
  • Interested In More Eyeballs Than Box Office Collections: Akshay Kumar
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar says he is interested in reaching out to a greater number of people with his upcoming film "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" than on garnering box office business.
 
He says the distributor has applied for tax exemption for the film.
 
During the trailer launch of the film here on Thursday, when asked that after "Rustom" and "Airlift" crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office, whether he was looking forward to minting more moolah, Akshay said: "I am interested in more eyeballs than the box office collection.
 
"In fact, I wish the ticket price of this film to be low so that more people can go and watch the film. Around 54 per cent people in our country have no access to toilets. So, my concern is to make people aware of the issue. They should go and watch the film rather than (we) count on the box office collection."
 
Asked about if they will make the film tax free, Akshay said: "So far there is no confirmation, but yes, the Viacom18 people (the distributors of the film) applied for tax exemption. Let's see what happens."
 
 
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" which stresses on the importance of sanitation.
 
Once known as Bollywood's action star, Akshay has of late moved into movies with social relevance. But he says he doesn't believe in having any image.
 
"I don't want to have any kind of image. I just want to keep on trying everything. When I entered the industry, people called me an action hero. 
 
"Then, I tried other things, they called me comedian and romantic hero. Then I did villain roles, now people are saying that I am doing social films. I just don't want to have an image.
 
"I just want to keep on trying different things," said Akshay, who received a National Award for his performance in "Rustom".
 
Akshay also pointed out that though his film "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" is set in the rural milieu, it is more relevant for the urban crowd than rural people.
 
 
"The issue of open defecation is not just a rural (village) problem. It is a huge problem in big cities too and it is more dangerous in big cities rather than villages, because we live in a concrete jungle, so germs and bacteria spread faster here.
 
"Don't think for a moment that this movie is for villages. It is for urban people too because we are in more danger than them."
 
The film also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Anupam Kher. It is releasing on August 11.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

My Biggest Fear Is Fear Itself: Anushka Sharma

Actress Anushka Sharma says that she fears of being in fear and wished Sonam Kapoor's forthcoming film "Neerja" a fearless run in theatres.

My Biggest Fear Is Fear Itself: Anushka Sharma

'Baahubali: The Conclusion' is going on track:Rajamouli

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has clarified that the shoot of the second part of "Baahubali" franchise is going on as planned. Contrary to rumours, there's no delay in the film's shoot and it has been going on at breakneck speed.

'Baahubali: The Conclusion' is going on track:Rajamouli

Gurinder Chadha wants all girls to feel empowered

Popular British filmmaker of Sikh origin Gurinder Chadha, whose hit film "Bend It Like Beckham" is going to be presented in India in a stage version, wants every girl to feel empowered and uplifted.

Gurinder Chadha wants all girls to feel empowered

Anupam Kher goes gaga over 'Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive'

Anupam Kher cannot stop praising Abhishek Sharma forthcoming directorial “Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive” which also stars his son Sikander Kher.

Anupam Kher goes gaga over 'Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive'

Nasser to don khaki in English film 'Solar Eclipse'

Nasser to don khaki in English film 'Solar Eclipse'
Veteran Tamil actor Nasser will be essaying the role of a Superintendent of Police in upcoming Hollywood production “Solar Eclipse”, which also features Indian actors Om Puri, Rajit Kapoor and Ananth Mahadevan in key roles.

Nasser to don khaki in English film 'Solar Eclipse'

Manoj Bajpayee's 'Tandav' receives appreciation from B-Town

Manoj Bajpayee's 'Tandav' receives appreciation from B-Town
Manoj Bajpayee, whose short film “Tandav” premiered on Saturday, is receiving much appreciation from Bollywood celebrities with some calling it electrifying while many others lauding the actor's talent.

Manoj Bajpayee's 'Tandav' receives appreciation from B-Town