'Mary Kom': I have Watched the Film and I'm Happy that the World will Know my Story, Says Olympic Medalist

The much-awaited movie, "Mary Kom," a biopic on Indian boxing icon Mangte C. Mary Kom, has finally hit theatres and has received tremendous response from the audience on the opening day. The five-time world champion and Olympic medalist said that she has watched the movie and is happy with the way it has turned out.

"Yes I have watched. I am extremely happy that my story will reach every part of the world," Kom said, when asked if she has watched the movie based on her life story.

Many were skeptical ahead of the film's release if Priyanka Chopra, who plays the title role, could carry off the character well. Some were of the opinion that the actress might look odd, as she doesn't have oriental look but Kom evidently doesn't think so.

"Priyanka Chopra is the right person to take my role. She worked harder (in the film) than any of her movies," said the 31-year-old boxing icon from Manipur.

Interestingly, Chopra proved skeptics wrong by taking the challenging role with aplomb and went on to receive praises from film critics for her performance in the film.

"Priyanka Chopra who plays Kom, does a good job of getting into the part. You can see her striving for rustic chic, which contrasts with sudden svelteness," wrote Shubhra Gupta of Indian Express in her review.

"Her (Priyanka Chopra) performance is focused and intense. The way she picks up the North Eastern accent, the way she picks fights with boys, the way she picks up the nuances of boxing are masterful," wrote Rachit Gupta of Filmfare.

"Mary Kom" featuring Chopra, Sunil Thapa and Darshan Kumar in lead roles, witnessed 60 percent occupancy on the opening day and is expected to dominate the box office this weekend, according Financial Express. Good word of mouth and film critics' recommendation might pull in more crowds to the theatres in the next few days.

Directed by Omung Kumar and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "Mary Kom" was released in over 3000 screens on Friday. It was declared tax free in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, as it is based on the inspirational life of Kom, a mother of three, who brought laurels to the country by winning many titles, including five world boxing championships and an Olympic bronze medal.