As expected Aamir Khan’s stupendous production venture “Peepli Live”, a non commercial film about farmer suicides, got rave reviews at the box office on its opening day, taking the actor pleasantly by surprise, and ranking up about Rs 70 million and still counting.
“Initially, we had planned to open with 200 screens. But the reaction to the promos and trailers has been most encouraging. We are trying to react to the perceived demand to the film,” said Aamir in a statement.
During times when a majority of Hindi films carrying big star names have been flopping left, right center attributed to the fact that their content is poor, comes Aamir Khan produced Peepli [Live] starring no big names but superbly directed strong on content brilliant multi layered satire. It takes you straight into the heart of the real India, into the lives of BPL (Below Poverty Line) people and their problems. While on the periphery the film might appear to be a spoof on the farmer suicides, it ends up conveying much more and presents some shocking facts.
Journalist-turned-director Anusha Rizvi’s directorial debut, “Peepli Live” was made on a budget of approximately Rs 100 million (including marketing costs) and recovered its investment even before its release by selling its satellite rights for Rs 100 million and music rights for Rs 40 million.
“‘Peepli Live’ has opened extremely well. What is surprising is the reaction from single screens – it opened to almost 90 to 95 percent in single screens,” said a source close to Aamir.
The cast of the film didn’t have any big names except Naseeruddin Shah. Many actors are tribals from Bhadwai village in Madhya Pradesh, while other cast members are from late playwright Habib Tanvir’s theatre troupe Naya Theatre, including the main lead Omkar Das Manikpuri, who plays Natha.
“Peepli Live” had the widest film release ever for a non star cast Hindi film. It hit 600 screens in India and 100 in overseas markets, except Britain Friday.
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