The arbitrary collection of tax was opposed by people as the Bollywood biopic on cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was declared ‘tax-free’ by Odisha government on May 22.
State Finance Minister Shashi Bhushan Behera had announced the waiver of entertainment tax for the movie in theatres throughout the state as the cricket legend is a source of inspiration for the youth.
Also Read: Sachin: A Billion Dreams’ made tax-free in Odisha
According to reports, an entertainment tax of Rs 26 was collected from audiences who had to pay Rs 140 per tickets at a theatre in Balasore. The movie Sachin, a Billion Dreams was released across the state today.
“I went to watch the film at Movie Ex but I was forced to pay the entertainment tax though it was made tax free by state government which is unfortunate,” said Phalguni Sundram Biswal, an audience.
Manoj Parida, the administrative official of the theatre on the other hand claimed ignorant about the State government’s directive.
“Till now we have not received any notification in this regard. We would stop collection tax after distributors notify us,” said Parida.
Being an icon of inspiration for the youth the government decided to waive off the entertainment tax on the movie which captures the cricketer’s journey.
“The movie which has been made on the cricketer’s life has been made entertainment tax-free. It’s definitely good news for the youth,” said Sashibhushan.
Apart from Sachin, his wife Anjali, son Arjun and daughter Sarah, the movie also features cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag among others.
The biopic is scheduled to be released on May 26.
The decision to waive off entertainment tax has been taken by the state government to honour the contribution of Tendulkar in the world of sports and to ensure that the film reaches maximum number of people in theatres.
The docu-drama, written and directed by British filmmaker James Erskine, released in theatres today.
It is produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under the banner 200 NotOut Productions.
The film has been previously declared tax free in Odisha, Kerala and Chhattisgarh.
In a tweet message, Sudarsan has urged State Governments across the country to make the film tax free as it talks about the importance of toilets in homes and eradication of open defecation.
Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar starrer, Toilet Ek Prem Katha sheds light on the importance of hygiene and sanitation in rural areas. The movie hit the theatres across the country yesterday.
Pattnaik, who is also the brand ambassador of Swacch Bharat Mission’ in Odisha, had earlier created a sand sculpture ‘Use toilet, keep the environment clean’ at Puri beach this month which was much appreciated.
Even the entire crew of the Toilet: Ek Prem Katha had thanked Sudarsan for the sand art.
“Thank you for spreading our message so artistically,” said Akshay Kumar in a tweet.
Pattnaik said as the movie has a social message and stresses on the importance of use of toilets, it is necessary on part of the governments to promote it.
Besides, making the film tax free will ensure that more and more people come to theatres to watch the movie and go home with a pledge to keep the environment clean by putting a stop on open defecation, the sand artist feels.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar meanwhile has also thanked Sudarsan for his appeal that will certainly be helpful in spreading the social message to larger sections in the society.