Monday, May 11, 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

Anti-Heroes Are Becoming Really Cool: Vivek Oberoi

Anti-Heroes Are Becoming Really Cool: Vivek Oberoi
He has portrayed a gangster, criminal and is now set to play a biopic titled "Rai" on a former underworld don Mutthuppa Rai. Actor Vivek Oberoi says grey characters are now becoming cool.

Anti-Heroes Are Becoming Really Cool: Vivek Oberoi

Alia Bhatt Is 'NERVSXCITED'

Alia Bhatt Is 'NERVSXCITED'
The actress has been nominated for the Best Actress for two of her films -- "Dear Zindagi" and "Udta Punjab".

Alia Bhatt Is 'NERVSXCITED'

Randeep Hooda Wanted To Keep His Personal Life A Mystery, But Feels Social Media Ruined His Plans

Randeep Hooda Wanted To Keep His Personal Life A Mystery, But Feels Social Media Ruined His Plans
The 40-year-old is prepping up for the historical drama, "The Battle of Saragarhi", in which he will be seen essaying the role of a Sikh character.

Randeep Hooda Wanted To Keep His Personal Life A Mystery, But Feels Social Media Ruined His Plans

Farhan, Ritesh's '3 Storeys' To Release On August 25

The cast and crew of "3 Storeys", a film revolving around three separate stories, is excited about its August 25 release.

Farhan, Ritesh's '3 Storeys' To Release On August 25

Deepika Padukone Wins The Title Of The Hottest Woman Of The Year, Tops The Maxim Hot 100 List

Deepika Padukone Wins The Title Of The Hottest Woman Of The Year, Tops The Maxim Hot 100 List
Deepika Padukone is joined by global icon, Priyanka Chopra in the Maxim’s Hot 100 list and is also sizzling on the cover of the Maxim India Magazine.

Deepika Padukone Wins The Title Of The Hottest Woman Of The Year, Tops The Maxim Hot 100 List

Kapil Sharma Continues To Be In Hospital Due To Fluctuating Blood Pressure

Kapil Sharma was rushed to a hospital after he complained of uneasiness while shooting for The Kapil Sharma Show's new episode

Kapil Sharma Continues To Be In Hospital Due To Fluctuating Blood Pressure