Indian Cinema’s epic biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag opened on Friday, 12th July 2013 to a flurry of positive reviews and overwhelming praise from the cinema fraternity, international celebrities, sports stars and fans alike. The film became the third highest opener in India of 2013 and has entered the UK’s Top 10 Box Office charts.
Given the film’s transient storyline and its connect with Global Diasporas, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has been appreciated by international celebrities and film critics, receiving rave reviews. The former American track and field star Carl Lewis was so deeply moved after watching the biopic, that he telephoned Olympian Milkha Singh (whose amazing life story is the inspiration for the film) to convey his appreciation.
Speaking about the momentous moment, the film’s director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said: ‘Yes, Carl Lewis indeed rang up Milkha Singh after seeing the film. We all hoped Milkhaji’s lifestory would make an inspirational impact. But we never imagined the impact would be so widespread.’
Another megastar keen to also express his appreciation and admiration for the film is Amitabh Bachchan. The Indian cinema legend wrote on his blog site:
‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ ‘Run Milkha Run’ is the true life story of one of the greatest athletes of India, in his prime during the late 50’s and 60’s he broke the world record in the 400 meters … but there is so much more to him and this story of his life that is simply amazing … and Farhan Akhtar who has lived his role in the film is just unbelievable.
‘This is an extraordinary film, and made with equal aplomb and measure. The story of Milkha Singh is legend now, but to see it relived in today’s time was an unbelievable experience.