2016 blockbuster to release on 10,000-plus screens across China, becoming Bollywood’s biggest ever release in that country
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 5, 2017)

In a first for a Bollywood film, Aamir Khan- starrer Dangal will release across a record 10,000 screens in China. The news comes close on the heels of reports that S S Rajamouli’s magnum opus, Bahubali 2: The Conclusion hit 9,000 screens worldwide.

Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari says, “Recently, Aamir and I watched the film in a packed theatre in Beijing at a film festival. The response was overwhelming. [Securing] such a wide release shows the kind of confidence the audience has in our film. Like it did in other countries, I am optimistic that Dangal will do well in China too. It’s reassuring that the team’s work has found global acceptance and appreciation.”

Pointing out that Khan is counted among the most popular Bollywood actors in China, the film’s spokesperson says, “Dangal is releasing this Friday with a footprint of 10,000-plus screens, a never-before- seen feat for any Hindi film. PK (2014, also starring Aamir) had released on half the number of screens and had made over a whopping Rs 140 crore there.”

Featuring newcomers Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, Dangal became the highest-grossing film in India with a box office collection of Rs 384 crore, and another Rs 20 crore through digital platforms. The film had been inspired by wrestling coach Mahavir Phogat and how he trained his daughters, Commonwealth Games medallists Geeta and Babita Phogat.