Carl Lewis watches 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', calls Milkha

Former American track and field star Carl Lewis watched "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and he was so deeply moved by the biopic that he called former Olympian Milkha Singh to convey his appreciation.

Confirming the story, the film's director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said: "Yes, Carl Lewis indeed rang up Milkha Singh after seeing the film. We all hoped Milkhaji's life-story would make an inspirational impact. But we never imagined the impact would be so widespread."

It is celebration time for the entire "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" team, including Farhan Akhtar who plays the main lead in it. While Mehra's biopic on the amazing life of Milkha Singh has become an all-India success with the total collections over the weekend being Rs.33.35 crore, its impact seems to resonate far beyond the Flying Sikh's homeland.

The film's co-producer Viacom 18's COO Ajit Adhare said: "This is not a film. It's a movement. Rarely do we get a film that goes beyond entertainment. 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' addresses itself to that part of the individual which needs to be harnessed and tapped for a full identity to emerge. How many films can you watch with your parents and your children and just be proud to be an Indian? After 'Lagaan(2001)' and 'Rang De Basanti', 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' has that kind of an impact."