Akshay Kumar-starrer Gabbar is Back has an unusual promoter in Bihar - RJD MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav.
Pappu on Monday demanded that the Friday release be made tax-free. The strongman is impressed with the movie for its fight against crime and corruption, not to forget one scene dealing with a cause close to his heart - taking on doctors who fleece patients - and wants all sections of society to watch it.
It is ironical that someone like Pappu should make such a demand. The RJD strongman from the Kosi-Purnea region is hardly seen as a champion of crime- and corruption-free society. Though acquitted by the high court in the Ajit Sarkar murder case, Pappu's image of a don-turned-politician still sticks.
Directed by Krish and produced under the banner of Viacom 18 and Sanjay Leela Bhansali production, the movie revolves around the character Gabbar, played by Akshay, who fights against the corrupt system and dishonesty. Speaking to The Telegraph, Pappu said: "Every poor man should watch this movie because it deals with issues the common man faces daily. These are issues I have been highlighting very often at public meetings. The movie shows how corruption is deep-rooted in our society and how a common man faces it every day."
This is second time, the five-term MP has commented on movies. Earlier, when the Aamir Khan-starrer PK was released and Bajrang Dal members had attacked theatres saying the film hurt religious sentiments, Pappu had wanted the movie to be made tax-free. His wish was fulfilled. Nitish Kumar watched the movie along with several ministers, after which the then chief minister, Jitan Ram Manjhi, exempted tax on it.
"I do not appreciate or watch every movie, but this movie is something different and very close to issues I have raised in my entire political career. The issue of doctors refusing to treat patients unless money is paid in advance has also been handled. Someone has rightly said that films mirror society and this movie rightly showcases a system that promotes and protects exploitative practitioners of medicine. I do not mean to blame all doctors," Pappu said.
Pappu was in the news not long ago when he launched a campaign against doctors, alleging they fleeced poor patients. He had asked them to reduce their consultation fee.
The over two-hour-long movie currently has 22 shows in Patna. It earned Rs 14.45 lakh on Day One and is expected to do good business in the coming days too. Seventy to 75 per cent of seats remain filled in theatres. "The movie is doing well and people are coming in bulk to watch Akshay in a different role after Baby," said Ashish Kumar Singh, manager of Regent Fun Cinemas. The film, which also stars Shruti K Haasan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in a special appearance, is a remake of the 2002 Tamil film Ramanna.
