Only days after Farhan Akhtar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra requested Maharashtra government for tax exemption for their movie ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, Maharashtra government has granted their request.

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is surprised by the speedy manoeuvre.

“We anticipated a tax exemption. But the fact that the Maharashtra government acted so speedily is very heartening. The film would now be accessible to those middle-class Indians who cannot afford the ticket prices at multiplexes. That thought makes me very happy," said Mehra to IANS.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra hopes that the other states in the country will also follow the suit and grant tax exemption to the movie.

Farhan Akhtar, who plays the lead in the movie, thanked the government for their support.

“I'm extremely grateful to the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister of Maharashtra for their support in this regard. They've ensured that Milkhaji's inspiring life would now be accessible to many more citizens in Maharashtra,” Farhan Akhtar said.

‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ is a biopic based on the life of legendary athlete Milkha Singh. Farhan Akhtar essays the role of Milkha Singh in the movie.

The movie also stars Sonam Kapoor as the female lead. Prakash Raj and Divya Dutt play crucial roles in the movie.

The movie that released on July 12 has been going strong at the box-office and has already raked in Rs.30 crore by the weekend. The movie managed an impressive Rs.8.5 crore business on its opening day itself.