Saturday, May 16, 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

'Baahubali 2' Shines In Theatres Pan India

'Baahubali 2' Shines In Theatres Pan India
With its release in over 6500 screens in India and over 9000 screens across the world -- the highest for an Indian film till date

'Baahubali 2' Shines In Theatres Pan India

Neha Kakkar's Siblings Surprise Her On TV Show

Neha Kakkar's Siblings Surprise Her On TV Show
Singer Neha Kakkar, who is currently seen as a mentor on "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs Season 6", was in for a surprise when her siblings -- singers Sonu and Tony Kakkar -- came on the popular singing reality show.

Neha Kakkar's Siblings Surprise Her On TV Show

PICS: Bollywood Bids Tearful Adieu To Vinod Khanna, Son Sakshi Lights Funeral Pyre

PICS: Bollywood Bids Tearful Adieu To Vinod Khanna, Son Sakshi Lights Funeral Pyre
Khanna, 70, passed away after battling bladder cancer around 11.30 am today plunging the country's entertainment industry into grief.

PICS: Bollywood Bids Tearful Adieu To Vinod Khanna, Son Sakshi Lights Funeral Pyre

Vinod Khanna Died On The Same Date As Friend Feroz Khan, Of The Same Disease

Vinod Khanna Died On The Same Date As Friend Feroz Khan, Of The Same Disease
Actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted that the two actors, who worked together in three films, died of Cancer on the same date.

Vinod Khanna Died On The Same Date As Friend Feroz Khan, Of The Same Disease

Priyanka Wanted 'Baywatch' Character To Be Feminine, Evil

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who will be seen playing a negative role in her upcoming Hollywood film "Baywatch", said she wanted her character in the film to be feminine and evil at the same time.

Priyanka Wanted 'Baywatch' Character To Be Feminine, Evil

Saddening To See Fraud Sites Of My Initiative, Says Akshay Kumar

Saddening To See Fraud Sites Of My Initiative, Says Akshay Kumar
Actor Akshay Kumar says he is feeling sad at seeing fraudulent sites and apps based on an initiative that he is supporting.

Saddening To See Fraud Sites Of My Initiative, Says Akshay Kumar