Mumbai, Jul 21 (IANS): Showing exemplary attentiveness to the film's far-reaching inspirational impact, the Maharashtra government on Saturday granted tax exemption to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", a biopic on former athlete Milkha Singh.

The speedy manoeuvre has taken Mehra by complete surprise.

"We anticipated a tax exemption. But the fact that the Maharashtra government acted so speedily is very heartening. The film would now be accessible to those middle-class Indians who cannot afford the ticket prices at multiplexes. That thought makes me very happy," said Mehra.

The filmmaker hopes other states would follow suit and grant the movie a tax exemption in the coming week.

Actor Farhan Akhtar, who plays Milkha Singh in the movie, said: "I'm extremely grateful to the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister of Maharashtra for their support in this regard. They've ensured that Milkhaji's inspiring life would now be accessible to many more citizens in Maharashtra."

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" released July 12.