New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS): Filmmaker Prakash Jha is happy that even after the "unexpected tough battle" to release his film "Aarakshan", the movie has managed to amass Rs.58.5 crore within its first week.

"I'm very happy with the audience response to 'Aarakshan'. I've been flooded with congratulatory messages and calls. The film seems to be touching many, many people," Jha said in a statement Friday.

"Aarakshan", which deals with the sensitive issue of caste-based quota system in India's educational system, was banned in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh for the fear of anti-Dalit comments in it.

However, the ban was lifted from Punjab and Andhra Pradesh a day after its worldwide release, Aug 12. In Uttar Pradesh, the ban was lifted Aug 19.

"It has been an unexpectedly tough battle to release the film... I hope no other filmmaker ever has to go through what I'm going through. I'm very grateful for the support of the audiences worldwide who have been watching and enjoying the film. Many common people have been conveying their support, and that is very heartening," added Jha.

The movie features megastar Amitabh Bachchan with Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik.