Spy thriller "Madras Cafe" witnessed a good opening across India, except Tamil Nadu. The film starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri in lead roles raked in ₹4.90 crore at the domestic box office on the first day.
The spy thriller, which received rave reviews from critics, had a slow start in the morning but picked up in the evening and night. [Read the critics review here]
The film directed by Shoojit Sircar of "Vicky Donor" fame was released in over 1000 screens. Positive word of mouth and good reviews has helped the film at the box office on the opening day and the collection is expected to shoot up in the weekend.
"MadrasCafe *revised figure* Fri 4.90 cr. Expect further growth in business today," trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted.
The story of the film revolves around Sri Lankan civil war and shows the late 1980s and early 1990s period which also include the time when former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated.
The storyline has triggered controversy in Tamil Nadu, where some groups demanded a ban on its release saying that it gives negative message.
Tamil film director R K Selvamani said the film drives home the point that Tamils' struggle in Sri Lanka was not justified, according to The Times of India. "On the contrary, the film supports Sri Lankan army and government," he said.
Director Ameer, who is a pro-Tamil activist, claimed that the film portrays negative message and the censors possibly did not understand it.
Meanwhile, John who is the co-producer is happy that the film is getting good response from audience.
"I thank my audience for accepting the cinema my director and I have envisaged ... The response has been phenomenal...Humbling ... Thank you," the actor tweeted on Thursday.
