MUMBAI: Rani Mukherji starrer action-drama Mardaani which highlights the problem of child trafficking in the country has been given a tax-free status in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The Akhilesh Yadav-helmed state government as well as the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government announced they would exempt the film from entertainment tax because of the bold social message conveyed by it.

Talking about the movie the MP Chief Minister tweeted, “Trafficking of young girls and women is worst evil which needs to be eliminated. Mardaani has brought it into focus.”

Praising the movie and Rani for her performance he added, "After a very long time, went along with family to watch a movie. Mardaani turned out to be soul stirring saga highlighting a societal evil. I congratulate Rani Mukherji for a wonderful and powerful performance in Mardaani. Aditya Chopra has done well to produce this movie.”

Honored by the response, Rani and Aditya issued an official statement to the declaration. It said, “Thank you Shri Chouhan Shivraj for your appreciation of Mardaani and its message and deciding to give the film tax free status in MP. Trafficking of girls and women needs to be completely eradicated and we film-makers can only do this much in our limited capacity, but with support from you, others will also hopefully join in to take this cause forward meaningfully.”

The movie, starring Rani as a police officer, released on 22 August is generating impressive critical acclaim. The movie collected approximately Rs 15 crore on its opening weekend.