Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is elated with the response that Alia Bhatt-Randeep Hooda starrer 'Highway' has garnered and says that the film was always meant to be profitable.

The movie, directed by Imtiaz Ali, got a slow start compared to his earlier projects, but gradually gelled well with the audience. 'Highway' was made at a cost of Rs 18.25 crore (including P&A). The movie has already clocked more than Rs 27 crore at the Indian box office and the international theatrical collection is more than Rs 8 crore.

The film had made Rs 15.5 crore revenue even before release, making the total revenue pie more than Rs 50 crore. "It was both an honour and a challenge when Imtiaz entrusted me with the release of 'Highway'.

We worked with our distribution partners at UTV to give the film appropriate release across 800 screens with carefully selected cities and cinemas across the country," Sajid said in a statement.


"It was always a profitable film. What was heartwarming was the way the audiences warmed up to the movie. We not just made a super hit film but a much loved one which will be seen and remembered with much fondness for years to come," he added.

The film which released on February 21 is still running successfully across theatres. Echoing similar sentiments, Imtiaz said, "I am happy that the film has reached the audience. We are moved by the response and are very thankful."