Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
[6]
(English: "Run Milkha Run") is a
2013 Indian biographical sports drama film produced and
directed byRakeysh Omprakash Mehra from a script written
by Prasoon Joshi based on the life of Milkha Singh, an
Indian athlete who was a national champion runner and an
Olympian. The film stars Farhan Akhtar, Sonam
Kapoor, Meesha Shafi, Divya Dutta, Pavan Malhotra, Yograj
Singh and Prakash Raj.
Made on a budget of 300 million (US$5.0 million),
[4]
the film
released on 12 July 2013 and gathered a positive response
from critics and audiences alike. It also performed very well
at the box office, eventually being declared a "super hit"
domestically and hit overseas.
[7][8][9][10]
Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag is the sixth highest grossing 2013 Bollywood film
worldwide
[11]
and became the twenty-first film to gross 1
billion (US$17 million).
Singh and his daughter, Sonia Sanwalka, co-wrote his
autobiography, titled The Race of My Life.
[12]
The book
inspired Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a 2013 biographical film of
Singh's life.
[13][14][15]
Singh sold the film rights for
one rupee but inserted a clause stating that a share of the
profits would be given to the Milkha Singh Charitable
Trust.
[16]
The Trust was founded in 2003 with the aim of
assisting poor and needy sportspeople.
[17]
Contents
[hide]
1 Plot
2 Cast
3 Production
o 3.1 Development
o 3.2 Casting
o 3.3 Filming
4 Soundtrack
o 4.1 Marketing
5 Release
6 Critical response
o 6.1 India
o 6.2 International
7 Box office
o 7.1 India
o 7.2 Overseas
8 Controversy
o 8.1 Awards and honors
9 See also
10 Notes
11 References
12 External links
Plot[edit]
The film starts in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome,
where a coach says "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!", and the story is
taken back to the memories of the childhood days of a
young boy which haunted him, resulted in him dropping to
third. Partition of India in 1947 caused chaos which resulted
in mass religious violence in Punjab in British India, killing
the parents of Milkha Singh (Farhan Akhtar). He
reaches Delhi and later meets his sister there. Living in
impoverished refugee camps, Milkha soon makes friends
and survives by stealing with his friends. He falls in love with
Biro (Sonam Kapoor) but she asks him to live a life of
honesty. Milkha finally finds himself in the army where he
gets noticed by a Havaldar (Sergeant) after he wins a race
in which top 10 runners will get milk, two eggs and excused
from exercise. He gets selected for service commission
where he gets miffed and also gets beaten up by senior
players whom he had defeated earlier, on the day before
selection of Indian team for Olympics. In spite of being
injured he still participates in the race, overcoming his pain
he wins the race thus breaking the national record.
During the Melbourne 1956 Olympics he gets attracted to
the granddaughter of his Australian technical coach, and
after a frolicking night in a bar he has a one-night stand with
her. The following day he feels exhausted from the previous
night's activities and loses the final race. He realizes his
mistake. Suffering from guilt he even slaps himself in front of
a mirror. On the flight back to India he asks his coach what
the world record is for the 400m race and learns that it is
45.90 seconds. He trains hard with a firm determination and
wins in several places. He then breaks the previous world
record for the 400m race with a dashing time of 45.80
seconds. Then Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of
India convinces him to lead the Indian team in Pakistan for a
friendly race. In Pakistan he misses the press conference
and goes to his village where in a flashback it is shown how
his parents were murdered and the last words of his father
were "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!" He starts crying and is
comforted by a boy who turns out to be his childhood
friend's son. He also meets his friend - Sampreet. In the
games, initially the Pakistani favorite is winning, but Milkha
takes the lead eventually overtaking opponents one by one,
taking a convincing lead and winning both the race and
respect of the two nation's people. The then president of
Pakistan, General Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan),
impressed by his effort gives him the title "The Flying Sikh".
Jawaharlal Nehru also declares a day in the name of Milkha
as "National Holiday" as desired by Milkha himself.
Cast[edit]
Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh
Japtej Singh as young Milkha
Hikaru Ito as Emperor of Japan
Meesha Shafi as Perizaad
Divya Dutta as Isri Kaur, Milkha's elder sister
Pavan Malhotra as Hawaldar (Constable) Gurudev Singh,
Milkha's coach during his days in the Indian Army
Yograj Singh as Ranveer Singh, Milkha's coach
Sonam Kapoor as Biro, Milkha's fleeting love interest
Art Malik as Sampooran Singh, Milkha's father
Prakash Raj as Veerapandian
K.K.Raina as Mr. Wadhwa
Rebecca Breeds as Stella
Dalip Tahil as Jawaharlal Nehru
Dev Gill as Abdul Khaliq
Nawab Shah as Javed, Abdul's coach
Loy Mendonsa in a special appearance in the song "Slow
Motion Angreza"
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra in a special appearance as a
pilot
Production[edit]
Development[edit]
After the release of Delhi-6 (2009), director Om Prakash
Mehra started developing two projects, a historical love
story, Mirza Sahiban, and a biopic of Milkha Singh. However
subsequently the biopic developed better, and he chose the
latter. Prasoon Joshi, who co-wrote Delhi-6 with Mehra, also
started working on the script.
[18]
Joshi later clarified that the
film's title, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run) was
never actually spoken by Milkha's father, rather, it was
phrase coined by him, and has been used liberally
throughout the narrative.
[19]
"This film is not a mirror of Milkha Singh's life. It is an interpretation of
his life."
-Prasoon Joshi (screenwriter)
[19]
Growing up in Delhi, Mehra was familiar with anecdotes
from the life of Milkha Singh, the ace runner popular as
"Flying Sikh". He used to visit the National Stadium,
Delhi for swimming, where Singh also came for his practice.
Gradually, he came to know details regarding his early life,
including how he witnessed his entire family being killed
during the partition, and travelled alone to Delhi as a
refugee. Mehra started developing the project as personal
story rather than a sports film, around the theme of "zindagi
se bhago nahin, zindagi ke saath bhago", "Don't run away
from life, run with life", depicting his life from 13 to 28 years.
For research, he visited Chandigarh several times, where he
talked for several hours with Singh. Jeev Milkha Singh, the
son of Milkha Singh and a notable golfer, arranged his
meetings with the family members.
[18]
Milkha Singh refused
a large offer for allowing his story to be made into a film, and
charged a token amount of 1 (1.7 US), as he believed if
the film could "inspire our young people and result in India's
first Olympic track gold, that would [be] reward enough for
him."
[20]
It took the next two and half years to write the story of the
film.
[21]
According to the director, it is not a sports film, but a
film about human spirit.
[22]
It is about a story of a boy who
lost his parents at the age of 12.
Casting[edit]
In 2010, early contenders of the lead role were Abhishek
Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. While Bachchan was
preferred by Mehra, the latter was preferred by Milkha Singh
himself. However, Mehra deferred the final decision on the
cast till the final script was completed.
[23]
However, after
months of search,
[21]
in September 2011, the principal cast
of the film were announced, and actor-director Farhan
Akhtar and Sonam Kapoor bagged the lead roles.
Thereafter, Akhtar even visited Punjab to meet Milkha Singh
and his family.
[24]
Before deciding, Akhtar met Mehra once
for a story session, and immediately agreed to play the
role.
[25]
He was inspired by Milkha Singh's life, and later
underwent extensive physical training for the role.
[22]
Pakistani actress and singer, Meesha Shafi who got fame
after her song Alif Allah (Jugni), also played RAW agent in
the hit Pakistani film Waar and recently made
her Hollywooddebut with The Reluctant Fundamentalist was
selected for the role of Perizaad (Milkha Singh's best friend).
Filming[edit]
The principal photography of the film commenced in
February 2012 and mainly took place in Punjab, India, with
some scenes shot
in Delhi, Tokyo, Melbourne andRome.
[26][27][28][29]
International company ReelSports coordinated the sports
action for the film and cast all the elite runners.
Soundtrack[edit]
Main article: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (soundtrack)
The music and the background score for the film were
composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, their first film
collaboration with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
The soundtrack features seven tracks with lyrics written
by Prasoon Joshi. The audio was released by Sony Music
on 14 June 2013, on digital platforms
including iTunes and Amazon.
Marketing[edit]
Farhan Akhtar and director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
launched the movie's official mobile game at the Reliance
Digital electronics store in Times Square on 3 August
2013.
[30]
Release[edit]
The film released on 12 July 2013. The film released in
1200 screens worldwide including 140 screens in USA .
[31]
Maharashtra government and Madhya Pradesh government
granted Entertainment tax exemption to Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag on 20 July 2013.
[9][32][33][34]
On 24 July 2013, the Delhi
government also announced tax exemption for Bhaag
Milkha Bhaag.
[35][36][37]
On 25 July 2013, Goa government
gave tax-free status to the film for three months.
[38][39]
On 29
July 2013, Haryana government also made the film tax-free
in the state.
[40][41][42]
On 1 August 2013, Uttar
Pradesh government approved a proposal to exempt Bhaag
Milkha Bhaag from entertainment tax in two installments or
for a maximum period of two months.
[43]
Critical response[edit]
India[edit]
The film received mostly positive reviews from critics.
[44]
Subhash K Jha of IANS gave the film 5 out of 5 stars and
stated, "The movie seems like a near-flawless homage to
the flying spirit of India's greatest runner, it is partly because
the story, so nimbly woven into a pastiche of drama,
emotion, humor and pathos by Prasoon Joshi and Farhan
who occupies Milkha's mind, body and soul."
[45]
Bollywood
Hungama's Taran Adarsh predicted that it would "win
accolades, admiration, respect and esteem, besides
emerging as a champ",
[46]
while Sneha May Francis
of Emirates 24/7gave the film a thumbs up, saying that the
film is "truly epic", and that "despite the prestigious Olympic
glory eluding him, Mehra deservedly honors the runners
other victories and impeccable talent, allowing us to applaud
the prodigy."
[47]
Desimartini, with almost 5000 ratings by the
end of the weekend stated the following about the film:
"Superbly directed,Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is an outstanding
film with an incredible performance by Farhan Akhtar.
Though long, it keeps you hooked throughout. Don't miss
this patriotic tribute to Milkha Singh."
Madhureeta Mukherjee of The Times of India stated, "While
you are on-the-run, pause to watch this one."
[48]
The India
Today review concluded, "Go and run with Milkha. In this
fast-paced life, this race will definitely soothe your
senses."
[49]
Sify's Vijay Sinha praised the film, judging
"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag should get even drug-addled Punjab
flocking to the cinemas."
[50]
Gayatri Sankar of Zee
News wrote, "If you are a patriotic Indian, you will be left
teary eyed and your head held high."
[51]
Yahoo! Movies'
review summed up, "Mehra has helmed 'Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag' into a compelling story and an exemplar of cinematic
brilliance; that it is also an inspiring tale almost seems to be
a by-product."
[52]
Actor Shahrukh Khan called the film "a lovely experience"
and described the performance of Akhtar as
"inspirational".
[53]
Hrithik Roshan also praised his
performance, and deemed the film to be
"phenomenal".
[54]
Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan highly
praised the film on his blog, describing it as "too emotionally
and creatively moving to put anything down in
words".
[55]
Carl Lewis watched Bhaag Milkha Bhaag in the
US and called Milkha Singh in India to express his
appreciation for the film and the athlete.
[56]
Aseem Chhabra of Rediff.com gave the film a mixed review
and reasoned that film does not offer anything new.
However, he praised Akhtar's performance, writing "If there
is one reason to see BMB it is to watch Akhtar how much
he has evolved as an actor and the sincerity with which he
immerses himself in the character."
[57]
NDTV echoed the
same sentiment, "Bhaag Milkha Singh is a 400 meters sprint
that feels like a cross-country race."
[58]
Despite praising the
technical aspects and music of the film, Rajeev
Masand ofCNN-IBN criticized the film for its length: "The film
itself is well intentioned and shines a light on an important
figure. The film is an ambitious account of the first 27 years
or so of celebrated Indian sprinter Milkha Singh's roller-
coaster life. But it's too long and too unfocused to leave a
lasting impression."
[59][60]
International[edit]
Robert Abele of the Los Angeles Times described the film
as "a stirring bio of Milkha Singh",
[61]
while Nicolas Rapold
of The New York Times said that, "the movie strikes its
chosen couple of notes resoundingly, making clear what
makes Singh run."
[62]
Twitch Film's review said, "[..]in the
grand scheme of things. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is easily one
of the best mainstream films to come out of Bollywood this
year."
[63]
Scott Foundas of Variety described the film as
"rousing and handsomely crafted biopic".
[64]
Lisa Tsering
of The Hollywood Reporter opined that the biopic "requires
viewer endurance, but pays off with an exhilarating
climax."
[65]
Digital Spy praised the film and said, "It is a
blessing that this film was made and the inspiring story of
India's greatest sporting hero told to a generation who might
otherwise never have known the legend of 'The Flying
Sikh.'"
[66]
Los Angeles Times stated that there's enough
dramatic restraint and performance charm to give Singh his
due as a justifiably glorified figure in India's
independence.
[67]
Washington Post stated that The Bollywood import
dramatizes the life of famed Indian sprinter Milkha Singh.
[68]
The Hollywood Reporter says that The three-hour sports
biopic about Indias most famous runner requires viewer
endurance, but pays off with an exhilarating climax.
[69]
Box office[edit]
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag grossed 1.64 billion (US$28 million)
worldwide, and is the sixth highest-grossing 2013 Bollywood
film.
[70][71]
India[edit]
The film opened very well at multiplexes across India,
especially in Punjab and Delhi.
[72]
It earned approximately
85 million (US$1.4 million) on its first day. The film showed a
21-percent growth and earned 105 million (US$1.8 million)
on the second day of its box office run.
[73]
Bhaag Milka
Bhaag grossed approximately 317 million (US$5.3 million)
nett over its first weekend,
[74]
and earned a total of 55
million (US$920,000) nett on Monday. Its four-day gross
amounted to 365 million (US$6.1 million) nett.
[75]
Bhaag
Milkha Bhaag ended its first week with a total collection of
approximately 535 million (US$9.0 million) nett.
[76][76]
It
collected around 35 million (US$590,000) nett on its eighth
day.
[77]
It collected 55 million (US$920,000) nett on its
second Saturday.
[32]
The ten-day domestic business of the
film was 695 million (US$12 million) nett approx.
[9][78]
The
film grossed around 279.80 million (US$4.7 million) nett in
its second week taking its total collections to 810
million (US$14 million).
[78][79]
It had grossed over 900
million (US$15 million) nett in 17 days as it grossed around
95 million (US$1.6 million) nett in its third weekend.
[11]
The
film added 15 million (US$250,000) nett approx in its third
week to take its nett gross to 964
million (US$16 million).
[80][81]
The film grossed 1.02
billion (US$17 million) nett in 24 days as it added around
50 million (US$840,000) nett in its fourth weekend.
[70]
Overseas[edit]
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag grossed around $1.4 million over its
first weekend.
[82]
The film grossed US$647,112 in its first
week of release in the United States, and debuted at the
15th spot at the box office.
[83]
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has done
well in Overseas with collections of around $2.7 million. The
film has done well in US.
[84]
The film has done overseas
business of over US$3.5 million and has been declared
Hit.
[85]
The final overseas business is around US$3.8
million
[86]
Controversy[edit]
The film's song "Maston Ka Jhund" has landed into
controversy after a Hindu organization, Hindu Janajagruti
Samiti (HJS), a right wing organization took objection to the
use of the word "havan" in the song. They alleged that the
word havan (Yagya) has been used in a derogatory manner.
Their reference is to the allegedly 'obscene' actions that the
actors performed in the song. Demonstrations were held
in Goa regarding the issue.
[87]
Although film mentions that Milkha Singh held men's 400
meters world record, however Men's 400 metres world
record progression does not mention Milkha Singh's name
in the world record holders. It is shown that Ranbir Singh
(Milkha Singh's coach) mentions world record as 45.9 sec
after 1952 Olympics; while Milkha eventually bested that
time in the 1956 Olympics with a personal record of 45.73
sec, the newest world record was 45.2 sec set by Lou
Jones of United States, the first place winner in the same
race.
[88]
Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, renowned athlete, who was
part of Indian team at Rome Olympics mentions that the
claim made in movie about Milkha Singh leading the 400
meters race and he lost it as he looked behind, is factually
incorrect. In fact he never led the race and he was at fifth
position at 300 meters.
[88]
The race video is also available
on YouTube.
[89]
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag CBFC Certificate showing the "U" Universal
Certification
Certain members of the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC) boycotted a workshop held in
accordance with Information and Broadcast Ministry's wish
citing partially of some officials of the censor board
particularly regarding the certificate given to the film, Bhaag
Milkha Bhaag which in spite of a sex scene and some
violence got an U certificate
[a]
lashing out and criticising the
decisions of the censor examining member and former
actress, Sharmila Tagore accusing CEO Pankaja Thakur
along with some other board officials being puppet
controlled by film directors and promoting vulgarity.
[91]
As a
consequence to the incident the Delhi High Court sought an
explanation from the I&B ministry and the CBFC regarding
the escalating levels of vulgarity in recent times.
[91][92]
Awards and honors[edit]
Year
Award
Ceremony
Award Film/Notes Result
2014
National Film
Awards
[93]
Best Popular
Film
Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag
Won
Year
Award
Ceremony
Award Film/Notes Result
Providing
Wholesome
Entertainment
59th Filmfare
Awards
[94]
Best Film
Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag
Won
59th Filmfare
Awards
[94]
Best Film
Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag
Won
59th Filmfare
Awards
Best Director
Rakesh
Omprakash
Mehra
Won
59th Filmfare
Awards
Best Actor
Farhan
Akhthar
Won
59th Filmfare
Awards
Best Lyrics Prasoon Joshi Won
Year
Award
Ceremony
Award Film/Notes Result
59th Filmfare
Awards
R D Burman
Award
Siddarth
Mahadevan
Won
59th Filmfare
Awards
Best Costume
Dolly
Ahluwalia
Won
59th Filmfare
Awards
Best
Production
Design
Acropolis
Design
Won
20th Screen
Awards
Best Film
Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag
Won
20th Screen
Awards
Best Actor Farhan Akhtar Won
20th Screen
Awards
Best
Background
Shankar
Ehsaan Loy
Won
Year
Award
Ceremony
Award Film/Notes Result
Music
15th IIFA
Awards
Best Film
Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag
Won
See also[edit]
Paan Singh Tomar
Milkha Singh
Notes[edit]
1. Jump up^ "U" means in CFBC terminology unrestricted
public exhibition or Universal video, equivalent to MPAA's G
and PG ratings and BBFC's U and PG ratings.
[90]
