AAMIR KHAN’S DANGAL A BIG HIT AT CHINESE BOX OFFICE

Aamir Khan’s Dangal on Friday saw the best opening for an Indian movie in China gathering positive audience ratings, and a touch of controversy on its release in close to 7,000 screens across the country.

Many online users of Weibo, China’s Twitter, questioned the conspicuous absence of the movie in theatres owned by Wanda Cinemas, the world’s largest cinema chain owner, part of the Dalian Wanda group. The group apparently inexplicably backtracked after allotting some 3,000 screens for the movie; as of Friday, it was being shown in 37 screens owned by Wanda.

Business rivalry could have triggered the decision, online writers speculated.

Deng Chao ,a famous film star with 57 million fans on Weibo, came out in support of Aamir and the movie, “Friend comes from afar, ask you to warmly welcome him. Please repost and support.”

HT contacted the company by phone and email for a comment but was yet to receive any response from the communication team.

Despite the fewer screens, the movie itself was doing well and had made more than PK did when released here two years ago. By 5 pm (China time), the movie had been screened 28,788 times and audience reviews and ratings were very positive.

One user wrote, “I saw # “Wrestling” at midnight last night. This movie is definitely good and worth watching. Aamir Khan’s greatness lays in seeing India’s problems, and not just talks, but takes action to do revolutionary. Every movie has a significant impact and this individual has a huge impact on society and government. There is no such filmmaker in China.”

Another user wrote, “My blood was boiling, and it was a shocking movie. I don’t remember how many times had I cried. Praise. Best movie “Wrestling” in the first half of the year.