MID-DAY (April 10, 2017)

Srijit Mukherji’s upcoming release, Begum Jaan, is undeniably painting the town red. The film has been declared tax free in Jharkhand from its release day — April 14. Starring Vidya Balan in a compelling avatar, the movie not only promises path breaking performances, but also a hard hitting narrative that is sure to remain etched in the audience’s memory for a long time to come. Vidya plays a brothel madam.

A better part of Begum Jaan, set in the pre-Partition era, has been shot in Jharkhand. In fact, this is the first film of such scale to be shot almost entirely in the state.

Producer Vishesh Bhatt says, “Jharkhand played a lovely host. I extend a big thanks to the state government for this gesture. It will help the film to be available to more people because of the low ticket prices from day one.” What’s more, it has got a Rs 2 crore subsidy under Government Policy of Promotion of Jharkhand as a Film Destination.

Mukherji and Bhatt tweeted about the development yesterday, thanking the chief minister, Raghubar Das, for making the movie tax free.

Begum Jaan also features Ila Arun, Gauahar Khan, Pallavi Sharda, Rajit Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Chunky Pandey, Vivek Mushran, Ridheema Tiwari, Flora Saini, Priyanka Setia, Raviza Chauhan, Mishti Chakraborty, Poonam Singh Rajput, Sumit Nijhawan, Pitobash and Rajesh Sharma along with Naseeruddin Shah in a special appearance. The film is produced by Mukesh Bhatt, Vishesh Bhatt and Play Entertainment.