Producers Guild of India thanks state govts for ensuring peaceful release of 'Pathaan'

Mumbai: The Producers Guild of India on Friday expressed gratitude to all the state governments for safeguarding the sanctity of cinema by ensuring a peaceful release of superstar Shah Rukh Khan's latest film "Pathaan".

The stylish spy thriller, which marks Shah Rukh's return to the big screen after over four years, had faced boycott calls over the song "Besharam Rang" ahead of its release on January 25.

Since its debut in theatres, the Siddharth Anand-directed movie has performed exceedingly well at the ticket window, raising over Rs 200 crore in worldwide gross in just two days.

In a statement, the Producers Guild of India, currently headed by Shibasish Sarkar, thanked the state governments for maintaining law and order in their respective states.

"The Producers Guild of India is deeply grateful to all the state governments for maintaining law and order, and ensuring peaceful release of the historic blockbuster Pathaan across India.

Official Statement by Producers Guild of India thanking all state governments of India for ensuring the peaceful release of #Pathaan across the country#SeeYouAtTheMovies pic.twitter.com/4NBIip2b06

— Producers Guild of India (@producers_guild) January 28, 2023

"Your efforts in safeguarding the sanctity of cinema so that it can entertain India and Indians has boosted the confidence of the Indian film industry," the statement read.

The guild, which has around 150 production banners as members, said the success of "Pathaan" is "one of hope".

"Pathaan's success is one of hope, one that makes us believe that the power of love can triumph over everything. We share this moment of victory with you all. Thank you for making this happen. Thank you for being enabler of history being scripted in India. #SeeYouAtTheMovies," it added.

The trade organisation noted that thousands of people contribute to the Hindi film industry and the overall content producing fraternity, including television and streaming services.

"The industry generates employment, contributes to the country's economy and is among the most powerful and effective purveyors of India's soft power across the world," it said.

With its record haul of Rs 219.6 crore in the first two days of its release, "Pathaan" has exceeded the expectations of trade experts who were banking on the action spectacle to bring some cheer to the film industry after a series of box office duds.

"Pathaan" is the fourth film in producer Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spy universe, following Salman Khan's "Ek Tha Tiger" (2012) and "Tiger Zinda Hai" (2017), and "War", featuring Hrithik Roshan (2019).

The movie follows the titular spy Pathaan (Shah Rukh) who comes out of exile to stop terrorist group Outfit X, led by Jim (John Abraham), from launching a debilitating attack on India.

"Pathaan", which according to YRF has broken some 21 box office records, also has a guest appearance by Salman as fellow spy Tiger.