Thursday, April 28 2005 12:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Houston: The winds of change and passage of time have failed to take the sheen off epic movie 'Mughal-e-Azam' as it continues to enthral both young and old in North America for the straight fourth week.

The timeless classic has so far raked in $ 1,53,420 since its release four weeks back, according to television company UTV, which also distributed Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Lakshya' and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Swades' in North America.

Mughal-E-Azam has grossed $ 8,084 on limited 15 screens in its fourth weekend across North America despite fierce competition from new releases like 'Waqt' and 'Lucky'.

Forty-four years after it took the Hindi film scene by storm, the newly restored and colourised film, with modified songs, surround sound and wide screen format, was released on 32 screens across North America on April 8 and had a wider release later with an additional 30 screens on April 15.

The coloured version has offered the audience a mesmerizing experience with its grand sets depicting splendour of the Mughal court, rich costumes and jewellery, breathtaking battle scenes, poetic script, seductive songs and dances.

The opulent tale of timeless emotional struggle has quickly become a rage in and around Houston, attracting both young and old to the Bollywood Cinema 6 and West Bellfort.

While old timers watched it out of nostalgia, the Gen X was curious.

"I don't know what to say, I don't know what to say. Boy, that was awesome," a spellbound American woman said.

Christina Marouda, Indian Film Festival Director based in California said, "I personally feel that the film was very strong in black and white and did not really need the colour to become any stronger but it is a completely different experience to watch Madhubala in colour."

"We screened it at the Writers Guild of American in Beverly Hills and the non-Indian attendees of all ages were mesmerised by the film. We are talking about people in late 20s and 30s, as well as ones in 50s and 60s. They were in for a treat and they enjoyed every single moment of it. I'm positive it will be embraced by the Western audiences," she added.

Lokesh Dhar, who handles the Business Development for UTV said, "Mughal-E-Azam has left an impact on the sensibilities of every generation who has watched it. The movie has exposed youngsters to a cinema, which they had just heard about. For most the actual experience has exceeded their expectation."

According to a theatre owner in Houston, "We expected lukewarm approach to the movie, but it's been crazy! Surprisingly, even mainstream Americans fell in love with this story."

"This film is known throughout Indian Cinema as one of the greatest films," said Rohi Mirza Pandya, ImaginAsian Director, Theater Operations & Acquisitions.

Mughal-e-Azam was fully restored at a cost of more than $ 1 million, over the course of two years, using customised Indian colourisation technology - all under the careful direction of the film's original producers, Sterling Investments.