'Andhadhun' crosses Rs 300 cr mark at China box office
Mumbai, Apr 22: Thriller drama "Andhadhun" emerged a major box office draw in China raking in a record collection of over Rs 300 crore (USD 43.4 million), the makers announced Monday.
The film, featuring Tabu, Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte and Anil Dhawan in key roles, is a murder drama at the centre of which is a pianist who may or may not be blind.
Produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Matchbox Pictures, "Andhadhun", which released in China as "The Piano Player" is directed by Sriram Raghavan, known for his dark films such as "Ek Hasina Thi" and "Badlapur".
"Andhadhun" was one of the best reviewed and best performing films of India last year.
The film has now become the third highest ever Hindi language film after "Dangal" and "Secret Superstar", Ajit Andhare, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures said.
"I am delighted that the approach of picking unusual stories stands rewarded not only in India and diaspora market but with a completely new market and audience in China. An Indian film has exceeded Hollywood tent-poles like "Shazam!".
"This success also dispels the belief that Hindi films need to have a social issue to succeed in China box office. It's a great moment for Indian cinema," Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios told PTI.
Ayushmann said he feels both "overwhelmed" and "humbled" to see "Andhadhun" becoming a Rs 300 crore blockbuster in the neighbouring country.
"The people of the country has loved our devilishly clever thriller directed by one of India's finest filmmakers Sriram Raghavan and the credit goes to him for his vision to redefine the thriller genre.
"'Andhadhun' is making India proud and I'm delighted to contribute in this huge cinematic moment for India. It feels great to be appreciated for your hard work not just in India but also in China. They have really showered a lot of appreciation for my craft and I just can't thank them enough. I wish I get the chance to travel to China soon and meet as many people as possible and just say thank you," the actor said in a statement.
China has emerged as a huge market for Indian films in recent years, with Aamir Khan's "Dangal", Salman Khan's "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and Irrfan Khan's "Hindi Medium" doing well.
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Argument over bike accident leads to murder, triggers mob violence, arson in Ahmedabad; 2 held
Ahmedabad (PTI): A man was killed in a violent altercation triggered by a motorcycle accident in Dhandhuka in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district on Saturday, after which several shops were set on fire, a police official said.
Two men from different communities clashed this afternoon after their motorcycles collided, which intensified when members of one group went to the house of the other individual involved in the accident, he said.
"During the confrontation, Dharmesh Gamara (30) was stabbed in the leg with a knife. He later died due to excessive bleeding. Following his death, tensions flared, and a group of people set ablaze seven to eight roadside shops. Several properties were damaged," Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat said.
Videos circulating on social media showed small shops engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising in the area.
Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control, Jat told PTI.
"The fires have been doused," he said, adding that house-to-house combing and patrolling were underway in the area to identify those involved in the arson.
Two persons identified as Samir and Rizwan have been arrested for alleged involvement in the killing of Gamara, while 15-20 persons have been detained in connection with the arson, police said.
