Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", deemed a moving and inspirational tale of life of Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, managed an impressive Rs.8.5 crore business on its opening day.

The movie, which released Friday, features Farhan Akhtar as the Flying Sikh, and he is said to have got as real as it gets for the role.

A paid preview of the movie Thursday minted Rs. 1.5 crore, and the buzz for the movie only ended up getting a boost.

On its opening day, the movie made Rs. 8.5 crores across India, where it opened in 1,500 screens.

According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' had an amazing pick up in evening shows on Friday".


Confirming the same, Piyush Raizada, director, Delight Cinemas, told IANS: `It had a good occupancy on Friday, and it will do well this weekend.`

Co-produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Pictures, the movie was much-awaited ever since it was announced, and then its powerful and clean-cut trailer opened to viewers.

Farhan's performance, which is a result of several personal sessions with the man himself - Milkha Singh, has been immensely appreciated, while actresses Sonam Kapoor and Divya Dutta also make their mark with small, but meaningful performances.

Members of the film fraternity have been heaping praises on the project, with some saying, it will "go down in history". Until then, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" on Bollywood's box office!


Look what they have to say
Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", which released Friday, has left industry members like filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and veteran actor Jeetendra delighted.

The movie, a biopic on former athlete Milkha Singh, also lovingly called the Flying Sikh, features Farhan Akhtar in the role of the sprinter, while Sonam Kapoor and Divya Dutta play supporting roles.

A lot of celebrities took to Twitter to share positive feedback on the film. Here's what some of them had to say after watching the movie:

Shah Rukh Khan: The only race u cant win is the race against ur past. Wot a lovely experience is bhaag Milkha.Thanx Rakyesh & u inspire me my Flying Farhan

Hrithik Roshan: I believ bhaag milkha is phenomenal! Fills me up wth bright light,miss running wth u @FarOutAkhtar certain u'l conquer d highest wth this!

Rakesh Roshan: I have just seen the film and it is very good. Hats off to Rakeysh Mehra, Farhan Akhtar and the entire team. They have made a brilliant film. What has been made is true. Everything looks so right in the film. It has made me really happy.


Jeetendra: Very good film, very engrossing, I enjoyed it. Farhan has done a wonderful job. It's a well-made, well-mounted film.

Gurdaas Maan (singer): It is very good. The body that Farhan Akhtar has made for the film, it's wonderful.

Here are some celebrity tweets about the movie:

R. Madhavan: Blown Away, awestruck, proud and humbled. Can't say enough to honour this film. Go watch it nowww. Feel the magic of cinema. Feel priviledged that we live in the times of THE Milkha Singh.

Arshad Warsi: The dedication, sincerity, hard work and research done by the cast and crew of "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is what's needed in our films today.


Satish Kaushik: Salute to Rakeysh Mehra for giving inspiring, cinematic gem to indian moviegoers.

Anupam Kher: "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag". OUTSTANDING film. Every department is superb. And Farhan Akhtar is unbelievably brilliant as Milkha.