Liberal support doesn't help Deepika Padukone; 'Tanhaji' races ahead of 'Chhapaak'

Chhapaak vs Tanhaji: Unsung Warrior, Deepika Pukone vs Ajay Devgn, have been dominating helines for past few days. And if opening day collections are concerned, re is a clear winner.  period drama on 17th century Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare has trumped story based on acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal with almost four times its collection. 

RE: Ajay Devgn On JNU: Violence t A Solution To Anything

Chhapaak vs Tanhaji: Unsung Warrior 

t just collections, even in  run-up to this opening day, both films h a contrasting journey. While both movies faced legal issues, Chhapaak was embroiled in multiple controversies. most prominent one among m was when Deepika Pukone visited Jawaharlal Nehru University in aftermath of terrifying violence on university’s campus. 

(Photo credit: PTI)

Her visit left citizens of country divided over wher she came out in solidarity with JNU students or was it a publicity stunt ahe of her film’s release. Both #BoycottChapaak and #IStandwithDeepika hashtags features thousands of tweets. 

‘liberal’ brige came out in support of actor. Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker, Anubhav Sinha, Richa Chha, were those who lauded ‘cour’ of  Pmaavat star.

Congress also joined bandwagon. Leers like Digvijay Singh, Raj Babbar, Ashok Chavan, Milind Deora and Sachin Pilot lashed out at hashtags like #BoycottChapaak while praising Deepika. Even n-Congress politicians like Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’Brien came out in her support. 

RE: TMC MP Derek O'Brien Backs Deepika Pukone's Presence At JNU Protest

Deepika also me some intense statements over violence and controversy over her visit. She compared controversy over her JNU visit tkato Karni Sena and or fringe group’s threats against her during Pmaavat. actor said row ‘pained’ her while hoping that it does t become new ‘rmal.’

On violence, she said she was ‘angry’ over turn of events, and termed it as ‘worse’ that ‘ action was being taken’ on it. 

Ahe of release, Congress-led state governments in Mhya Presh, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry declared movie tax-free. Congress-backed Maharashtra government also is deliberating to follow suit, a minister revealed. On day of release, Chhapaak screenings were held for students by party in Delhi.

Even Samajwi Party organised a screening for its workers in Luckw. student wing of Congress distributed free tickets of movie to people in Bhopal. 

RE: Congress Backs Deepika Pukone's Appearance At JNU; 'Better Than Being A Fence-sitter'

Cricket and Films

On or hand, Ajay Devgn and his Tanhaji: Unsung Warrior followed a strictly n-controversial policy for ir promotions. Raid star promoted film on Bigg Boss and cricket matches.

He also met MS Dhoni and also sent a cryptic mess on current situation, that films and cricket were 'uniting religion' of country.     

actor also shied away from making political statements. Golmaal star only reacted to JNU violence a day before release, but unlike Deepika, he h t picked any side. Ajay said he was following news, but was t aware who was responsible for it, while condemning violence. 

On Friday, when film released, he once again he did t make any sensational statement. Moments after JNU student union president Aishe Ghosh was booked by Delhi Police, he tweeted for first time on JNU violence.

He once again reiterated that one should wait for ‘proper facts to emerge’, an alleged reference to B-Town jumping gun over it, while sending a mess for peace and brorhood. 

Tanhaji: Unsung Warrior earned over Rs 15 crore on opening day and Chhapaak failed to cross  Rs 5 crore. Thus, one can clearly say that  ‘liberal’ brige’s support to Deepika’s film failed miserably. In fact, it might have done more harm than good, as Tanhaji: Unsung Warrior gears up for a big total, while leaving Chhapaak much behind. 

RE: Deepika Pukone Reaches JNU, Joins Kanhaiya Kumar At Left Protest: Visuals Here