"Sadda Haq" the Punjabi film which is banned in India, is faring well in the overseas market. The historical drama film has been declared a hit at the UK box office.
Upon its release on 5 April overseas, the film raked in approximately ₹1.89 crore from the UK after the third weekend.
"Punjabi film #SaddaHaq is a massive hit in UK. Total after 3rd Weekend: £ 229,447 [₹1.89 crores]," trade analyst and film critic Taran Adarsh said.
"SaddaHaq collected UK Fri £ 9,531. Total: £ 150,214 [₹1.26 cr] in second week and *UK* 1st Week: £ 140,683 [₹1.18 cr] on 8 screens. Excellent," Adarsh added.
"Punjabi film #SaddaHaq *opening weekend* UK £ 89,072 [₹ 74.70 lacs] ... USA $ 100,760 [₹ 54.99 lacs] - reported screens only."
The film had opened to a fantastic start in the international market. It is set in the late 80's and early 90's period during which there was extreme turmoil in Punjab. The state government banned the release of the film "to maintain communal harmony".
Initially, the film was set for 12 October 2012 release, but due to the Censor Board's disapproval the release date was shifted to 5 April.
The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) gave clearance to the film. But a day before its release, it got banned in five places including Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi and J&K.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on 5 April justified the ban and said, "It is our priority to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state... we don't want that the movie should vitiate the communal atmosphere of the state."
The film is directed by Mandeep Benipal and produced by Kuljinder Sidhu, who is also the lead actor.
