Ram Madhvani's "Neerja", which stars actress Sonam Kapoor as Neerja Bhanot, the air hostess who sacrificed her life while saving passengers on board hijacked Pan Am flight 73, has received an overwhelming response at the box office. The biographical thriller has collected Rs.22.01 crore in its opening weekend.
“Neerja”, which released on February 19, witnessed an impressive growth over the weekend due to positive word of mouth. With a collection of Rs.4.70 crore and Rs.7.60 crore on Friday and Saturday, the film witnessed a good growth on Sunday where it minted Rs.9.71 crore, read a statement.
The film revolves around the Libya backed Abu Nidal Organisation's hijacking of Pan Am flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan in September 1986, specifically focusing on flight attendant Neerja Bhanot who ensured the failure of the hijacking by preventing the plane from getting off the ground.
With a strong weekend response, the film is expected to dominate the box office in the coming days too, says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
“'Neerja' is flying high. . Day-wise growth in biz clearly indicates it has won hearts and conquered the box office. Sunday biz was terrific,” Adarsh posted on Twitter on Monday.
“With an impressive weekend total on hand, 'Neerja' is expected to dominate on weekdays too...
“'Neerja' is a shining example of a brilliant film backed by well planned and executed distribution strategy and superb marketing,” he added.
Produced by Fox Star Studios and Bling Unplugged, the film also features Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani and Yogendra Tiku.
'NEERJA' MAKERS WANT THE FILM TO BE TAX-FREE
Since its release on February 19, "Neerja" has received an overwhelming response in its opening weekend. Now, director Ram Madhvani says that he would like the film to be tax free.
"We would very much like that the film be made tax free so that stories like 'Neerja' can reach to maximum people and more people can remember her," Madhvani said.
Photographer-producer Atul Kasbekar reiterated Madhvani's statement.
"Neerja will definitely get tax-free but please understand that the procedure is followed state-wise. It's not that one application will work for all states. And whether it will be tax-free or not, the decision is taken only after some time of film release," Kasbekar said.
"Neerja" is a biopic on the life of Neerja Bhanot who sacrificed her life while saving passengers on board hijacked Pan Am flight 73. Actress Sonam Kapoor has essayed the role of Neerja.
Talking about her stance on whether the film should be made tax-free, Sonam said: "I just want people to watch the film. And with that intention, I feel Neerja is going to be tax-free soon."
“Neerja” also features Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani and Yogendra Tiku.
