Actor Amitabh Bachchan visited Cinepolis, the only multiplex in Patna, on Friday to promote his upcoming film Aarakshan.

Bachchan was the star attraction of the evening along with Manoj Bajpai and director of the movie, Prakash Jha, who also owns the P&M Mall in Patna.

Commenting on the movie, Bachchan said, "Aarakshan throws light on the education system of India and its shortcomings that are affecting many bright and deserving students.

Prakash Jha has very beautifully narrated this story through his innovative yet exclusive style and I am proud to be a part of this project. It's a great feeling to be standing in Cinepolis which has changed this city's identity by bringing here a world class cinema."

Aarakshan is an upcoming Hindi film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpai, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone.

Directed by Prakash Jha, who also directed Raajneeti, it is a high voltage socio-political drama based on one of the most controversial policies of caste based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

Like the majority of Jha's films, it takes on issues about the society and political affairs of India. Most of the shooting took place in Bhopal. The film also stars Prateik Babbar in a significant role and is set to release on August 12.

Commenting on the opening, Jha said, "We all have great hopes from Aarakshan and are sure that the movie will receive great response from all over India.

Patna is my native city and this special visit is a token of thanks to all Patnaites who have supported me throughout. It's also a great opportunity for everyone to watch this movie in India's first International cinema exihibitor, Cinepolis."

On the occasion, Ashish Shukla - Head Exhibition, Cinepolis India, said, "Keeping with our commitment to provide a unique cinema experience for the people of Patna, we hosted our first movie promotion in Patna for Aarakshan which is a hard hitting tale of honesty and disquieting truth. It was a pleasure to host great personalities like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and our patrons were overwhelmed to meet him."

At Cinepolis, Bachchan and the crew of Aarakshan visited different audis and surprised the audience there.

The patrons could not stop raving about the movie and were seen posing and taking autographs with their favorite stars.

Harkirat Waraich, who is a loyal customer of Cinepolis from Amritsar, was invited to meet Bachchan and Bajpai.