'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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Roof collapse at Novi Sad Railway station claims 14 lives, sparks outrage
Novi Sad, Serbia: At least 14 people, including a young child and a foreign national, were killed when the concrete roof of a railway station in Novi Sad collapsed on Friday. Rescue efforts continue as emergency teams search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic have pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable.
Interior Minister Dacic confirmed the death toll, which includes a 6-year-old girl and a citizen from Northern Macedonia. Three individuals were rescued with serious injuries and are currently receiving medical care. As 80 rescue workers clear the wreckage, officials warn the death toll could rise, with some victims yet to be identified.
The incident has reignited public anger over station maintenance, with opposition groups blaming government negligence and poor upkeep for the tragedy. President Vucic clarified that the collapsed roof had not been part of recent renovations, pledging accountability at both political and criminal levels.
Prime Minister Milos Vucevic noted that the original canopy structure, built in 1964, remained unchanged in recent updates. In response to the tragedy, the government has declared Saturday a day of mourning, and residents in Novi Sad are gathering to light candles in remembrance of the victims.
