Farhan hopes 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' releases in Pakistan

Published July 12, 2013
Farhan Akhtar pictured in a movie poster of "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" — Courtesy Photo
Farhan Akhtar pictured in a movie poster of "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" — Courtesy Photo

Farhan Akhtar has said that he is hoping that the producers of ' Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' release the movie in Pakistan.

The 39-year-old actor told the Gulf News that the problem that Pakistan has faced in films which weren't released there is that their society has been featured in bad light or they have been villified unnecessarily.

He asserted that the new movie on Milkha Singh is based on facts, reported TOI.

Akhtar said that Singh refused to go to Pakistan but eventually went there because Nehurji said that he must go there.

He added that Singh did go there and was conferred with the title of Flying Sikh. Akhtar added that they are the facts that neither can be disputed nor can be made sensational.

Milkha’s story is a wholesome entertainer

It is inspired by the life and times of Milkha Singh, India's legendary athlete, but the makers of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB) say the film will be much more than a regular biopic.

It will be a wholesome entertainer. Says director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, "The movie will connect with everyone — from children to the elderly. It will appeal to the ladies, as there are strong female characters. Sonam plays Biro, who comes at a very important juncture in Milkha's life, while Divya Dutta plays his sister, Isri Kaur."

The team is elated over the response the film got in London and New York, where American film critics viewed it. Mehra admits that he was nervous to showcase the film. He says, "It's not a normal fare from their perspective. But as the film ended, to my surprise, we were given an ovation."

Since Milkha has often acknowledged the Indian Army's role in his success, a premiere was held for the jawans on Thursday in Chandigarh. "Milkha came from Multan (now in Pakistan) as a refugee. Not only did the army give him respect, but also discovered the athlete in him. The film will be screened in 124 cantonments," he says.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and ROMP Pictures, releases today.

Opinion

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.