Akshay Kumar's first film of 2014 "Holiday – A Soldier is Never Off Duty" is set for the widest release internationally this Friday.
The action drama film directed by AR Murugadoss will be released in around 400 screens across 41 countries overseas. In India, the film will be screened in 3500 screens, which is the highest screen count for Kumar starrer, trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.
While the film will be released in 26 screens in Australia and New Zealand, it will be showcased in 70 screens in the UK, 140 screens in US-Canada and 54 screens in UAE-GCC. Apart from that, the film will be screened in 110 screens in 32 other countries.
"This is Akshay's biggest release so far. We are increasing the overseas market share. The film will release in new territories in Asia and Europe. For example, it will be the first Bollywood movie to be shown in Spain. It is also Akshay's first project to hit the screens in Vietnam," Mahesh Ramanathan, chief operating officer, Reliance Entertainment, told The Times of India.
The production company has also tied up with the biggest exhibitor in South Africa to release the film there.
With one of the widest releases of this year, "Holiday" is expected to witness a flying start on day one at the box office. The film, which also stars Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role, has generated positive buzz with its trailer and songs.
Also, celebrities who have seen the film before its release have given a positive feedback.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) Maninderjeet Singh Bitta has asked to grant tax exemption to the "Holiday". Bitta who was impressed by the storyline said that the film shows Indian army in a positive light and should be given tax free status.
"As a nation, we get demoralised when we see how the political system works. So, it feels great to see a movie that talks about eliminating terrorism. It shows how an army officer rises above his call of duty for the country," Bitta told The Times of India. [Read the full story HERE]
