Madras Cafe may get a tax-free tag

  "The opening weekend numbers have shown that the audience has loved the film. Word-of-mouth publicity is still pulling crowds to the theatres. A film like this should reach the maximum number of people and if John is requesting a tax-free status for the film, I think he is right in doing so," says a fellow filmmaker.

At the time of going to press, a case study was being readied for submission to various authorities in different states. To begin with, Maharashtra and Delhi are under consideration.

When contacted, John confirmed the development saying: "Yes, I have been advised to do so. I hope there are positive developments around this." After Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, it is Madras Cafe, which is eyeing a tax-free status. Given its political and social relevance the makers are now taking serious steps to convince the government to grant tax-free status to the film.

"Madras Cafe opens a very important chapter in the history of India. While it was promoted as a film that was based in Sri Lanka, the end result has shown that at the core of it, it is about the Rajiv Gandhi assassination. Also, it makes a statement against violence and terrorism of any kind. Given the content, the film deserves a tax free tag," says a source close to the film.

John Abraham and Shoojit Sircar, who have collaborated on the film, wanted to wait for audience reaction before requesting a tax exemption.