Shoojit Sircar-directed "Madras Cafe", which courted controversy after Tamil activists alleged that the political thriller presents LTTE cadres as terrorists, has not only impressed audiences, who tag it as an "intelligent film", but also collected over Rs.20 crore in three days.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted that the movie, which released Aug 23 on 1,200 screens, collected over Rs.20 crore within three days of its release.

"'Madras Cafe' collected approximately Rs 20.42 crore to Rs.20.67 crore net in its opening weekend. On Friday, it earned Rs.5.17 crore, Saturday Rs.7 crore and on Sunday Rs.8.25 crore to Rs. 8.50 crore," said Taran in his tweet.

The story revolves around the Sri Lankan civil war and has been praised for its intellectual content.

`The movie is very good. The occupancy this weekend was around 65 percent. I heard one of the viewers saying that it's an intelligent and honest film. The audience was mostly mature,` an official of a multiplex here told.

Co-produced by John Abraham and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the political thriller that stars John in the lead, along with Nargis Fakhri and Raashi Khanna, was reportedly made at a budget of less than Rs.10 crore.

Even filmmaker Karan Johar found the film "intelligent".

John Abraham emerges as new-age producer: KJo


In an industry characterised by cut-throat competition, praising each other is not common. But one of Bollywood's leading filmmakers Karan Johar breaks the norm and showers praise on "Madras Cafe" and its lead actor and co-producer John Abraham, calling him a "new-age producer of our times".

"Madras Cafe", which released Aug 23, is actor John's second project as a producer. His first, the inimitable "Vicky Donor", was a sleeper hit, and "Madras Cafe" is fast turning out to be one of the best political thrillers that Hindi cinema has produced over the years.

Karan took to Twitter to share his views on the movie.

"'Madras Cafe' is intelligent, well-intentioned, spectacularly shot and edge-of-the-seat! A proud film in every department! Superb," he posted.

"John Abraham emerging as the new-age producer of our times. His brand value takes a giant leap," added Karan.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film is based on the Sri Lankan civil war.

Controversies prior to the release of the film in Tamil Nadu did not deter audiences in other parts of the country from watching the film, which features John as a RAW agent and Nargis Fakhri as a war correspondent.

'Madras Cafe' earnings skyrocketed: John Abraham


Actor-producer John Abraham is thrilled by the box office collection of his second production venture `Madras Cafe`. He thanked everyone for "putting faith in my vision for cinema to get progressive".

The audience and even fellow filmmakers have described the film, which is about the civil war in Sri Lanka, as an "intelligent" attempt.

If reports are to be believed, the movie was made on a budget less than Rs.10 crore. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, it earned over Rs.20 crore in its opening weekend.

`I thank all of you for putting faith in my vision for cinema to get progressive. Collections on this film have skyrocketed. A big thank you,` John, who has acted and co-produced the "Madras Cafe", posted on Twitter.