View source for Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain

{{Short description|2014 Indian English-language historical drama film}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain
| image          = Bhopal a prayer for rain poster.jpg
| alt            = <!-- see WP:ALT -->
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = Ravi Kumar
| producer       = Ravi Walia<br>
        Sahara Movie Studios
| writer         = Ravi Kumar<br />David Brooks
| starring       = {{plainlist|
*[[Martin Sheen]]
*[[Mischa Barton]]
*[[Kal Penn]]
*[[Rajpal Yadav]]
*[[Tannishtha Chatterjee]]
*[[Fagun Thakrar]]
*[[Martin Brambach]]
* David Brooks
*[[Satish Kaushik]]
*[[Vineet Kumar]]
*[[Joy Sengupta]]
*[[Manoj Joshi (actor)|Manoj Joshi]]
}}
| music          = [[Benjamin Wallfisch]]
| cinematography = {{ubl|Charlie Wuppermann|Jean Marc Selva|Anil Chandel}}
| editing        = Chris Gill
| studio         = 
| distributor    = [[Revolver Entertainment]] [[Sahara Movie Studios]] (India)
| released       = {{Film date|2014|11|07|[[US]]|2014|12|05|df=y|India}}
| runtime        = 96 minutes
| country        = {{ubl|India|United Kingdom}}
| language       = {{ubl|Hindi|English}}
| budget         = 
| gross          = $12,628
}}
'''''Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain''''' is a 2014 [[Cinema of India|Indian]] English-language [[historical drama]] film directed by Ravi Kumar. Based on the [[Bhopal disaster]] that happened in India on 2–3 December 1984, the film stars [[Martin Sheen]], [[Mischa Barton]], [[Kal Penn]], [[Rajpal Yadav]], [[Tannishtha Chatterjee]] and [[Fagun Thakrar]]. [[Benjamin Wallfisch]] composed the film's music. Kumar's idea for making a film based on the Bhopal disaster came after he read Sanjoy Hazarika's book: "Bhopal: Lessons of a Gas Tragedy" about it. Shot over a period of 18 months, it was originally scheduled for a late 2010 release. However, the lack of responses from distributors kept delaying the release.

In April 2013, a new trailer was released and the film received a market screening at the [[2013 Cannes Film Festival]] on 16 and 19 May. It was also screened at Pan Asia, Dingle and the [[Tokyo International Film Festival|Tokyo International]] film festivals. ''Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain'' was released in the United States on 7 November 2014 and in India on 5 December 2014. A private screening of the film was held at the youth assembly in the [[United Nations]] on 7 August 2014.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the actors' portrayal of their respective characters but found the film underwhelming. A few organisations fighting for the rights of the victims of the tragedy blamed the film for presenting the facts in a distorted manner. Kumar and Sheen denied these allegations. The [[Madhya Pradesh]] government exempted the film from paying tax.

== Plot ==
{{Long plot|date=July 2024}}
In 1984, a few months before the Bhopal disaster, Dilip, a rickshaw driver, loses his income when his rickshaw breaks down while transporting an employee to the [[Union Carbide]] pesticide plant in [[Bhopal]]. Dilip lives in the slums near the plant with his wife, a son and his sister. He obtains a job in the plant as a labourer, and is happy since his daily wage is restored.

The plant's revenues drop due to lower sales of pesticides, and in order to reduce costs the officials neglect safety and maintenance. Questioning the chemicals used in the plant, Motwani, a tabloid reporter, publishes reports on his printing press which are disregarded by most of the officials and workers. Roy, the plant safety officer, expresses his concerns. The officials however ignore his warnings, and a worker is killed when a drop of [[methyl isocyanate]] leaking from a pipe lands on his arm. The officials deem the worker's irresponsibility as the cause of the accident and the plant continues to function. Dilip is given a better-paying vacant job in the plant despite lacking the skill to operate the machinery. A gas leak is prevented by Roy when water is mixed with methyl isocyanate, and in an attempt to stop people from panicking, the official in the plant disables the warning siren.

[[Warren Anderson (American businessman)|Warren Anderson]], the CEO of Union Carbide, visits the plant to inspect its functionality, where he is briefed about a plan to connect two additional tanks for storage of methyl isocyanate to increase the output of the plant, ignoring the deteriorated condition of the tanks. Motwani meanwhile meets Eva Caulfield, a reporter for ''[[Paris Match]]'', and persuades her to interview Anderson. She falsely claims to be an [[Associated Press]] reporter, but her lie is exposed during the interview. Motwani convinces Dilip of the danger posed by the chemicals.

As the date of the disaster nears, Dilip arranges a loan for his sister's wedding. Roy later explains how the company is ignoring safety standards and that a future leak might become uncontrolled as the officials had turned off safety measures to reduce maintenance costs. Roy gives his resignation to the company and advises Dilip not to talk about the plant's safety if he wishes to retain his job. Dilip makes a phone call to Motwani describing what Roy just said, and expresses his fear about the plant's safety, saying he will return to the rickshaw-pulling business as soon as his sister is married.

To overcome the increasing revenue loss, the officials shut down the plant, firing most of the workers, including Dilip. The plant officials then order the use of the remaining methyl isocyanate as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Dilip is busy with his sister's wedding, and Roy has a final look of the control room. The safety measures fail and a runaway reaction follows. The faulty tanks cause the gas to start leaking, and an attempt to contain the leak fails. The gas escapes to the surroundings and is carried east by the wind. Motwani rushes to alert the people in the vicinity of the plant to vacate and head west, since the warning sirens were previously sabotaged. He meets Dilip, who ignores the warning and asks Motwani to leave the area without causing any hindrance to the wedding. Meanwhile, the guests experience irritation in the eyes and discomfort in breathing. Dilip senses the danger and visits the plant, realising that the plant had been compromised. He rushes back to his residence where he finds his family and relatives dying from acute exposure to the toxic gas. He carries away his son, paying farewell to his wife's corpse and flees the slum.

As the gas shows its effects, a nearby hospital is filled with hundreds of patients reporting cyanide poisoning, and the lack of antidote results in most of the patients' death. Dilip, on his deathbed, and using the last of his strength, rips off his Union Carbide identity badge and after flinging it away, rests his dead son on the ground. He eventually accepts his fate to die in the highly toxic gas cloud and succumbs to the toxic gas, dying by his son's side. The story jumps to the present day, where a blind boy is holding Dilip's identity badge, and the film ends with Motwani narrating the words, "Whatever may be the cause of the disaster, Carbide never left Bhopal." A photo montage depicts the aftermath of the disaster and pictures of the characters and their real-life counterparts.

== Cast ==
[[File:Martin Sheen Cannes.jpg|thumb|right|[[Martin Sheen]] played the role of [[Warren Anderson (American businessman)|Warren Anderson]]]]
* [[Martin Sheen]] as [[Warren Anderson (American businessman)|Warren Anderson]], the chief executive of [[Union Carbide]]. Anderson was declared a fugitive by an Indian court.<ref name="Mercy" /><ref>{{cite news|author1=Indo-Asian News Service |title=Bhopal fugitive Warren Anderson is dead |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bhopal-fugitive-warren-anderson-is-dead-roundup-changing-dateline-114103101530_1.html |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[Business Standard]] |date=31 October 2014 |location=Washington |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507213000/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bhopal-fugitive-warren-anderson-is-dead-roundup-changing-dateline-114103101530_1.html |archive-date=7 May 2015 |author1-link=Indo-Asian News Service }}</ref>
* [[Mischa Barton]] as Eva Caulfield, a ''Paris Match'' reporter
* [[Kal Penn]] as Motwani, a local journalist. Penn said that the "larger-than-life, colourful role" of the reporter was what attracted him to the project.<ref name="India">{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India |title='Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain' is an honest film: Kal Penn |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-is-an-honest-film-kal-penn-114102000671_1.html |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[Business Standard]] |date=20 October 2014 |location=Mumbai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208032716/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-is-an-honest-film-kal-penn-114102000671_1.html |archive-date=8 December 2014 |author1-link=Press Trust of India }}</ref> His role is inspired by the story of the Indian journalist [[Rajkumar Keswani]].
* [[Rajpal Yadav]] as Dilip, a factory worker
* [[Tannishtha Chatterjee]] as Leela, Dilip's wife
* [[Manoj Joshi (actor)|Manoj Joshi]] as Dr. Chandra
* [[Fagun Thakrar]] as Rekha
* [[Gopichand Lagadapati]] as Steward
* [[Akhil Mishra]] as Napoleon
* [[Joy Sengupta]] as Roy
* David Brooks as Shane
* [[Satish Kaushik]] as Labour Minister Lalit

== Production ==
In 2004, while reading Sanjoy Hazarika's book ''Bhopal: Lessons of a Tragedy'', Ravi Kumar got the idea of making a film based on the Bhopal disaster,<ref name="Debesh" /> considered the world's deadliest<ref>{{cite news|last1=Paniker |first1=Shruti |title=Make Us Laugh & Cry |url=http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/entertainment/hip-happening/Make-us-laugh-cry/articleshow/45389881.cms |access-date=14 December 2014 |work=[[Ahmedabad Mirror]]  |date=6 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030905/http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/entertainment/hip-happening/Make-us-laugh-cry/articleshow/45389881.cms |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> industrial disaster.<ref name="Dhillon" /><ref name="HTMumbai" /> Seeing that very few people of the newer generation knew about the disaster, Kumar decided to make a film based on it.<ref name="Dhillon" /> He chose several well known actors for the film because he felt that this provided more chances of showing the "story to the world."<ref name="Debesh" /> He wanted to cast Sheen for the role of Anderson, because of his political views and acting skills.<ref name="Hebbar" /> [[Tannishtha Chatterjee]] and [[Rajpal Yadav]] were also cast for the film.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Subhash K|title=Tannishtha pairs up with Martin Sheen|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Tannishtha-pairs-up-with-Martin-Sheen/articleshow/3228657.cms|access-date=12 December 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 July 2008}}</ref> [[Sienna Miller]] was previously attached to the project, but later dropped out and her role was given to [[Mischa Barton]].<ref name="National">{{cite news|last1=Dhillon |first1=Amrit |title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain tells the story of India's worst industrial disaster |url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/film/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-tells-the-story-of-indias-worst-industrial-disaster |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]  |date=30 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404172447/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/film/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-tells-the-story-of-indias-worst-industrial-disaster |archive-date=4 April 2015 }}</ref> In December 2008, it was confirmed that Barton, Sheen and Penn were filming in India for the project.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dasgupta |first1=Priyanka |title=India calling! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/India-calling/articleshow/3852125.cms |access-date=11 December 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]]  |date=18 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123025/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/India-calling/articleshow/3852125.cms |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> A copy of the script was sent to Penn, who agreed to join the project.<ref name=Khanzada>{{cite news|last1=Khanzada |first1=Farida |title=Opening the Pandora's box |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/opening-the-pandoras-box/99/ |access-date=14 December 2014 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=5 December 2014 |location=Mumbai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081726/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/opening-the-pandoras-box/99/ |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> Penn played the role of an Indian journalist and learnt Hindi from an instructor. Shooting finished in January 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ray|first1=Sarit|title=Kal, aaj aur kal|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Kal-aaj-aur-kal/articleshow/3933715.cms|access-date=12 December 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 January 2009}}</ref> Initially, the film's story was written like a thriller and then dramatic elements were added.<ref name="Obligation" /> Kumar wanted to depict Anderson as a victim of organisational error of judgement but Sheen insisted that Anderson should be depicted as a guilty and so he rewrote some of the scenes.<ref name="Mercy">{{cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Subhash K|title=No mercy for Warren Anderson|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/No-mercy-for-Warren-Anderson/articleshow/6031372.cms|access-date=12 December 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 June 2010}}</ref><ref name="Amrit" /> Made on a total budget of US$12&nbsp;million, the film was shot in Hyderabad's [[Charminar]] area and [[Golconda Fort]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ray|first1=Sarit|title=All that Mischa saw & did in Hyd|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/All-that-Mischa-saw-did-in-Hyd/articleshow/3933617.cms|access-date=12 December 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 January 2009}}</ref> [[Mumbai]] and the [[Union Carbide]] factory in Bhopal during a course of 18 months.<ref name="Debesh" /> A few scenes were also shot in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name=Khanzada /> [[Hyderabad]] was chosen since it bore great resemblance to Bhopal in terms of its [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] influence and architecture.<ref name="Obligation" /> Only a few important scenes were shot in Bhopal while the majority were shot on different factory locations and sets in order to create the setup for the period.<ref name="Garima">{{cite news|last1=Sharma|first1=Garima|title=Gas tragedy film on the right track|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Gas-tragedy-film-on-the-right-track/articleshow/11156085.cms|access-date=12 December 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 December 2011}}</ref>

The script was jointly written by Kumar and David Brooks Miller. To present the correct technical and medical facts in the film, Kumar analysed documents of the court proceedings, forensic evidences and interviewed several survivors of the tragedy and also the staff members of the Union Carbide plant.<ref name="Debesh">{{cite news|last1=Banerjee|first1=Debesh|title=Bhopal Before Tragedy|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/bhopal-before-tragedy/636330/0|access-date=12 December 2014|work=[[The Indian Express]]|publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]]|date=21 June 2010}}</ref><ref name="Obligation" /> Bhopal Group for Information and Action and many activists fighting for the rights of the victim of the disaster wanted to stop the film's screening, called it an insult to the victims, blamed the filmmakers of distorting the facts related to the disaster, diverting attention from [[Dow Chemical Company]] which acquired Union Carbide in 2001 and for portraying Anderson as a person who wanted to help the people but was unable to do so.<ref name="Dhillon" /><ref name="Amrit">{{cite news|last1=Dhillon |first1=Amrit |title=Bhopal disaster movie slammed for letting a bad guy off the hook |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/bhopal-disaster-movie-slammed-for-letting-a-bad-guy-off-the-hook-20111230-1pfkz.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]  |date=31 December 2011 |location=Delhi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704090938/http://www.smh.com.au/world/bhopal-disaster-movie-slammed-for-letting-a-bad-guy-off-the-hook-20111230-1pfkz.html |archive-date=4 July 2014 }}</ref> Sheen denied these allegations and said that he did not sympathise for Anderson.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hollywood film on Bhopal accused of whitewash |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/7846389/Hollywood-film-on-Bhopal-accused-of-whitewash.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=22 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625063431/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/7846389/Hollywood-film-on-Bhopal-accused-of-whitewash.html |archive-date=25 June 2010 }}</ref> Kumar also denied these allegations and said that the organisations had seen an older script.<ref name="Garima" /> He added that making the film was a life-changing experience for him.<ref name="Amrit" /> ''A Prayer for Rain'' was added to the film's title because had it rained on the night of 2—3 December 1984, fewer people would have died.<ref name="Dhillon">{{cite news|last1=Dhillon |first1=Amrit |title=A film about the Union Carbide industrial disaster in India is courting controversy |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/a-film-about-the-union-carbide-industrial-disaster-in-india-is-courting-controversy-1.363998 |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]  |date=9 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060639/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/a-film-about-the-union-carbide-industrial-disaster-in-india-is-courting-controversy |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>

On 7 January 2009, Barton was questioned by the Indian media on why she chose to sign on the project to which she responded "I'm interested in all kinds of things, I did this film for moral reasons. Also, I felt the story needed to be told, I feel that this is going to be an important film."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh |first1=Preeti |title=India is truly a beautiful country: Mischa |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-is-truly-a-beautiful-country-mischa-barton/82105-8.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |date=7 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125180750/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-is-truly-a-beautiful-country-mischa-barton/82105-8.html |archive-date=25 November 2014 }}</ref> Benjamin Wallfisch, an [[Emmy Awards|Emmy]] and [[Ivor Novello Awards|Ivor Novello]]-nominated composer, composed music for ''Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain''.<ref name="National" /> The film was slated to release in 2010 but the lack of response from the distributors delayed the release.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhadani |first1=Priyanka |title=Released...Finally! |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/released-finally/ |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=31 October 2014 |location=Mumbai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207235036/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/released-finally/ |archive-date=7 December 2014 }}</ref> On the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal gas disaster, [[Shivraj Singh Chouhan]], the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh attended the film's premiere in Bhopal and after watching the film he announced that the state government would not charge any tax on the film's earning. Chouhan called the film "very sensitive" and praised the "heart-rending" performance given by actors.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Indo-Asian News Service |title=MP govt makes Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain tax free |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/MP-govt-makes-Bhopal-A-Prayer-for-Rain-tax-free/articleshow/45373963.cms |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]]  |date=4 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405024929/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/MP-govt-makes-Bhopal-A-Prayer-for-Rain-tax-free/articleshow/45373963.cms |archive-date=5 April 2016 |author1-link=Indo-Asian News Service }}</ref> To promote awareness about the tragedy a [[Non Government Organisation|NGO]] The Bhopal Medical Appeal and the film's director collaborated with mobile commerce portal [[Paytm]] and the online shopping website [[Snapdeal]]. As part of the partnership Paytm and Snapdeal offered their customers a chance to donate money in form of online coupons to the disaster victims.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

== Marketing and release ==
The first look of the film was unveiled on 18 September 2014 and the official trailer was released on the following day.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kaushal |first1=Sweta |title=Watch: Martin Sheen, Mischa Barton in Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain trailer |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/watch-martin-sheen-mischa-barton-in-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-trailer/article1-1265975.aspx |access-date=11 December 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]  |date=19 September 2014 |location=New Delhi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029164652/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/watch-martin-sheen-mischa-barton-in-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-trailer/article1-1265975.aspx |archive-date=29 October 2014 }}</ref> Sheen felt that finding a theatrical release for the film would be difficult. He said that the film portrayed "America's cultural arrogance." Director Ravi Kumar opined that Anderson was guilty of the disaster.<ref name="Bhaskaran">{{cite news|last1=Bhaskaran |first1=Gautaman |title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain conveys America's cultural arrogance, says Martin Sheen |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-conveys-america-s-cultural-arrogance-says-martin-sheen/article1-1292562.aspx |access-date=11 December 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]  |date=2 December 2014 |location=Chennai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204105542/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-conveys-america-s-cultural-arrogance-says-martin-sheen/article1-1292562.aspx |archive-date= 4 December 2014 }}</ref> While promoting the film in [[New Delhi]], he compared it to ''[[Titanic (1997 film)|Titanic]]'' and said that the film "is realistic and poignant, but entertaining."<ref name="Hebbar">{{cite news|last1=Hebbar |first1=Prajakta |title='Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain' is like 'Titanic'; realistic and poignant, but entertaining, says director Ravi Kumar |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-is-like-titanic-realistic-and-poignant-but-entertaining-says-director-ravi-kumar/516344-8-66.html |access-date=11 December 2014 |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |date=4 December 2014 |location=New Delhi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204091636/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-is-like-titanic-realistic-and-poignant-but-entertaining-says-director-ravi-kumar/516344-8-66.html |archive-date=4 December 2014 }}</ref> Rajpal Yadav termed it the biggest project of his life<ref>{{cite news|author1=Indo-Asian News Service |title='Bhopal: A Prayer...' my biggest project: Rajpal Yadav |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/-bhopal-a-prayer-my-biggest-project-rajpal-yadav_124105.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |publisher=[[Zee News]] ([[Essel Group]]) |date=8 December 2012 |location=Mumbai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221437/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/-bhopal-a-prayer-my-biggest-project-rajpal-yadav_124105.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |author1-link=Indo-Asian News Service }}</ref> and dedicated his role to the victims of the disaster.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Press Trust of India |title=Rajpal Yadav: 'Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain' Dedicated to Victims of Disaster |url=http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/rajpal-yadav-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-dedicated-to-victims/article_5eced28a-6138-11e4-9aef-ebca82d8c543.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=India-West |date=31 October 2014 |location=New Delhi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112172928/http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/rajpal-yadav-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-dedicated-to-victims/article_5eced28a-6138-11e4-9aef-ebca82d8c543.html |archive-date=12 November 2014 |author1-link=Press Trust of India }}</ref>

The film was screened in [[Cannes]], at the [[Pan Asia Film Festival]] in London, the [[Dingle Film Festival]], and the [[Tokyo International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Roseingrave |first1=Louise |title=Silent killer is still claiming victims every day |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsfilmtv/silent-killer-is-still-claiming-victims-every-day-300213.html |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[Irish Examiner]] |publisher=[[Landmark Media Investments]] |date=1 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203195616/http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsfilmtv/silent-killer-is-still-claiming-victims-every-day-300213.html |archive-date=3 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mitchell |first1=Wendy |title=Festival briefs: Berlin, Tokyo, Locarno, Kinoteka, Pan-Asia, Ilkley |url=http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/festival-briefs-berlin-tokyo-locarno-kinoteka-pan-asia-ilkley/5065879.article |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[Screen International]] |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=28 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026154512/http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/festival-briefs-berlin-tokyo-locarno-kinoteka-pan-asia-ilkley/5065879.article |archive-date=26 October 2014 }}</ref> The distributors advised director Kumar to remove a scene which they considered to be too dramatic for Western audiences.<ref name="HTMumbai">{{cite news|last1=Singh |first1=Prashant |title=Martin Sheen to bring Bhopal gas tragedy on silver screen |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/martin-sheen-to-bring-bhopal-gas-tragedy-on-silver-screen/article1-1146463.aspx |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]  |date=2 November 2013 |location=Mumbai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129234214/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/martin-sheen-to-bring-bhopal-gas-tragedy-on-silver-screen/article1-1146463.aspx |archive-date=29 November 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhaskaran |first1=Gautaman |title=Martin Sheen plays 'Bhopal villain' in Gas Tragedy film |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/martin-sheen-plays-bhopal-villain-in-gas-tragedy-film/article1-1160760.aspx |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]  |date=9 December 2013 |location=Dubai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121165425/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/martin-sheen-plays-bhopal-villain-in-gas-tragedy-film/article1-1160760.aspx |archive-date=21 January 2014 }}</ref> A private screening for a youth assembly was held at the United Nations. [[Revolver Entertainment]] acquired the distributor rights of the film for North American region in September 2014.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Press Trust of India |title=UK distributor acquires rights to 'Bhopal tragedy' film |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/uk-distributor-acquires-rights-to-bhopal-tragedy-film/ |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=17 September 2014 |location=Los Angeles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927034105/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/uk-distributor-acquires-rights-to-bhopal-tragedy-film/ |archive-date=27 September 2014 |author1-link=Press Trust of India }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ben Kingsley, Brie Larson Head For 'Brooklyn Bridge'; Revolver Takes 'Bhopal' Disaster Drama |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/ben-kingsley-brie-larson-brooklyn-bridge-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-disaster-835481/ |access-date=12 December 2014 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] ([[Penske Media Corporation]]) |date=16 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103231450/http://deadline.com/2014/09/ben-kingsley-brie-larson-brooklyn-bridge-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-disaster-835481/ |archive-date=3 January 2015 }}</ref> The worldwide sales rights were acquired by GFM Films.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tartaglione |first1=Nancy |title=Cannes Briefs: Bekmambetov's 'Squirrels'; Darclight's 'Tell Tale Heart'; Vision's Duff McKagan Doc; More |url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/cannes-briefs-cohen-hires-john-kochman-sue-brooks-goes-driving-108-media-in-for-the-time-being-more-495043/ |access-date=12 December 2014 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] ([[Penske Media Corporation]]) |date=10 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305211204/http://deadline.com/2013/05/cannes-briefs-cohen-hires-john-kochman-sue-brooks-goes-driving-108-media-in-for-the-time-being-more-495043/ |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> The film's United States release was scheduled for 7 November 2014.<ref name="Obligation">{{cite news|author1=Indo-Asian News Service |title=We had moral obligation to represent truth: 'Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain' director |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/we-had-moral-obligation-to-represent-truth-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-director_1506267.html |access-date=13 December 2014 |publisher=[[Zee News]] ([[Essel Group]]) |date=28 November 2014 |location=New Delhi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201012748/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/we-had-moral-obligation-to-represent-truth-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-director_1506267.html |archive-date=1 December 2014 |author1-link=Indo-Asian News Service }}</ref> A special screening of the film was held in [[New York City|New York]] on 18 September.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shahryar |first1=Faridoon |title=Bhopal A Prayer For Rain jolts New York |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/7239/Bhopal+A+Prayer+For+Rain+jolts+New+York |access-date=13 December 2014 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=22 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203222612/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/7239/Bhopal%2BA%2BPrayer%2BFor%2BRain%2Bjolts%2BNew%2BYork |archive-date=3 December 2014 }}</ref> Another special screening was conducted in Bhopal just prior to the release, attended by many well known actors of the Hindi film industry.<ref name="James">{{cite news|last1=James |first1=Anu |title='Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain': Riteish Deshmukh, Kal Penn, Rajpal Yadav, Dino Morea and Other Celebs Attend Premiere [PHOTOS] |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/bhopal-prayer-rain-riteish-deshmukh-kal-penn-rajpal-yadav-dino-morea-other-celebs-attend-616211 |access-date=14 December 2014 |work=[[International Business Times]]  |date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207205916/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/bhopal-prayer-rain-riteish-deshmukh-kal-penn-rajpal-yadav-dino-morea-other-celebs-attend-616211 |archive-date=7 December 2014 }}</ref> The film opened in New York on 7 November, [[Los Angeles]] on 14 November<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tsering |first1=Lisa |title='Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain' Director Drives the Message Home |url=http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-director-drives-the-message-home/article_66778504-6e85-11e4-b37e-eff0c66828f2.html |access-date=14 December 2014 |work=India-West |date=17 November 2014 |location=San Leandro, California |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201054400/http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-director-drives-the-message-home/article_66778504-6e85-11e4-b37e-eff0c66828f2.html |archive-date=1 December 2014 }}</ref> and in India on 5 December 2014.<ref name="India" /> Reportedly, Kumar had insured the film against libel for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ayub |first1=Jamal |title='Prayer For Rain' director takes libel insurance |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Prayer-For-Rain-director-takes-libel-insurance/articleshow/45370161.cms |access-date=14 December 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]]  |date=4 December 2014 |location=Bhopal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212044926/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Prayer-For-Rain-director-takes-libel-insurance/articleshow/45370161.cms |archive-date=12 December 2014 }}</ref> Bhopal-based journalist [[Rajkumar Keswani]] wanted to sue the film producers for portraying him as a "salacious gossip columnist" before his lawyer advised him to watch the film first. He had seen the film's original script in which Penn's character was named Keswani.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ghose |first1=Debobrat |title=Film on Bhopal tragedy: Journo who exposed rot at carbide plant hurt at 'gossip columnist' tag |url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/film-bhopal-tragedy-journo-exposed-rot-carbide-plant-hurt-gossip-columnist-tag-1834455.html |access-date=14 December 2014 |publisher=Firstpost ([[Network 18]]) |date=4 December 2014 |location=New Delhi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204214632/http://www.firstpost.com/india/film-bhopal-tragedy-journo-exposed-rot-carbide-plant-hurt-gossip-columnist-tag-1834455.html |archive-date=4 December 2014 }}</ref> Inspired by the film, musician [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] collaborated with [[Anoushka Shankar]] to record a song. Kumar also confirmed their collaboration.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Indo-Asian News Service |title=Sting's guitar meets Anoushka Shankar's sitar for 'Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain' |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/sting-s-guitar-meets-anoushka-shankar-s-sitar-for-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain/article1-1271705.aspx |access-date=13 December 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]  |date=4 October 2014 |location=Mumbai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016103120/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/sting-s-guitar-meets-anoushka-shankar-s-sitar-for-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain/article1-1271705.aspx |archive-date=16 October 2014 |author1-link=Indo-Asian News Service }}</ref>

== Reception ==
[[Rotten Tomatoes]], a [[review aggregator]], rated the film 68% based on a total of 19 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.40/10.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bhopal_a_prayer_for_rain/ |title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Flixster]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306134136/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bhopal_a_prayer_for_rain/ |archive-date=6 March 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2020 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Another review aggregator, [[Metacritic]], gives the film a rating of 50% based on seven critic reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain|title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain|website=[[Metacritic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306140413/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain|archive-date=6 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=6 March 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Meena Iyer of ''[[The Times of India]]'' praised the actors and noted that despite being based on true incidents the film "[managed] to connect emotionally".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Iyer |first1=Meena |title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain movie review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-review/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain/movie-review/45359967.cms |access-date=6 December 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]]  |date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206135232/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-review/Bhopal-A-Prayer-for-Rain/movie-review/45359967.cms |archive-date=6 December 2014 }}{{rating|3|5}}</ref> In her review for ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', Sweta Kaushal wrote that director Ravi Kumar "should be congratulated for picking a rather grave subject" and praised the actors for doing justice to their respective characters. However, she felt that in portraying Dilip, Kumar took away the "severity of the issue" and that he did not put "the blame on anyone". Further, she opined that the film had depicted Anderson "as a rather humanist [person]". She concluded that better research should have been done and that the film "could have been a more involving story".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kaushal |first1=Sweta |title=Bhopal A Prayer For Rain review: It's heart-wrenching, grave film you must watch |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-review-it-s-heart-wrenching-but-where-s-the-intensity/article1-1293101.aspx |access-date=6 December 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]  |date=5 December 2014 |location=New Delhi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205152116/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-review-it-s-heart-wrenching-but-where-s-the-intensity/article1-1293101.aspx |archive-date= 5 December 2014 }}{{rating|2.5|5.0}}</ref> While Kaushal felt that Barton's role was unnecessary, Anuj Kumar of ''[[The Hindu]]'' suggested that this role was planted in the story to provide Warren Anderson a chance to express his views. Kumar praised Yadav's acting by calling him the "face of the tragedy." He also praised Sheen but felt that Penn looked "out of place in the mofussil surroundings."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kumar|first1=Anuj|title=Bhopal&nbsp;– A Prayer For Rain: Breathing through the gas|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-breathing-through-the-gas/article6665071.ece|access-date=11 December 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|publisher=[[The Hindu Group]]|date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Shubhra Gupta of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' noted that Chatterjee was effective in her role.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |title=Bhopal : A Prayer For Rain review |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-review/ |access-date=6 December 2014 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205083333/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-review/ |archive-date=5 December 2014 }}{{rating|2.5|5.0}}</ref> ''[[India Today]]''{{'s}} Rohit Khilnani praised the director for "[capturing] everything that [the] drama needed". However, he felt that the overall quality of the film could have been better.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Khilnani |first1=Rohit |title=Movie Review: Bhopal&nbsp;— A Prayer for Rain is a story that needed to be told |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/movie-review-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-229782-2014-12-04 |access-date=11 December 2014 |work=[[India Today]] |publisher=[[Living Media]] |date=4 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210140955/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/movie-review-bhopal---a-prayer-for-rain/1/405146.html |archive-date=10 December 2014 }}{{rating|3.5|5}}</ref>

Bryan Durham of ''[[Daily News and Analysis]]'' praised the actors, particularly Martin Sheen, the costumes and sets used for the film. He considered Barton's character and Hinglish unnecessary. He also questioned how Rajpal's character was able to live for a longer period of time than others who were exposed to the gas, and how the doctor and nurses survived the whole disaster. He concluded that "the film takes [the] viewer for granted in places." Durham noted that the film had "its heart in the right place."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Durham |first1=Bryan |title=Film Review: 'Bhopal&nbsp;— A Prayer For Rain' has its heart in right place, had it beaten little more passionately |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-film-review-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-has-its-heart-in-right-place-had-it-beaten-little-more-passionately-2041325 |access-date=6 December 2014 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]  |date=5 December 2014 |location=Mumbai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211032020/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-film-review-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-has-its-heart-in-right-place-had-it-beaten-little-more-passionately-2041325 |archive-date=11 December 2014 }}{{rating|2.5|5.0}}</ref> Prasanna D. Zore of [[Rediff.com]] called ''Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain'' an "honest yet haunting film" and appreciated Anil Chandel's cinematography.<ref>{{cite news|last1=D Zore |first1=Prasanna |title=Review: Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain is a haunting film |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-is-a-haunting-film/20141205.htm |access-date=6 December 2014 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205164237/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-is-a-haunting-film/20141205.htm |archive-date=5 December 2014 }}{{rating|4|5}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] of [[CNN-IBN]] praised Yadav, Sheen and Chatterjee for their acting. He criticised the film for its dialogues and Mischa Barton's role. He further noted that there was "a sense of drama in the final moments" but the film "has few moments that are extraordinary or even genuinely moving."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Masand|first1=Rajeev|authorlink1=Rajeev Masand|title='Bhopal: A prayer for rain' review: There is a sense of drama in the final moments|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-review-there-is-a-sense-of-drama-in-the-final-moments/516643-47.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141206125046/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-review-there-is-a-sense-of-drama-in-the-final-moments/516643-47.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 December 2014|access-date=6 December 2014|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|date=6 December 2014}}{{rating|2|5}}</ref>

Martin Tsai of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that the "cautionary tale could not be more relevant".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tsai |first1=Martin |title=Review 'Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain' an effective cautionary tale |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-bhopal-prayer-for-rain-review-20141114-story.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=13 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224011005/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-bhopal-prayer-for-rain-review-20141114-story.html |archive-date=24 December 2014 }}</ref> Stephanie Merry of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' wrote that despite the terrible finale, the "movie never feels as powerful as it should." She felt that the dialogue, acting and music tended to be melodramatic but "the overt heartstring-pulling doesn't add much."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Merry |first1=Stephanie |title='Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain': Kal Penn, Martin Sheen star in melodramatic retelling of Indian disaster |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-kal-penn-martin-sheen-star-in-melodramatic-retelling-of-indian-disaster/2014/11/25/0a8c8198-73fa-11e4-a589-1b102c2f81d0_story.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]  |date=25 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213134704/http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-kal-penn-martin-sheen-star-in-melodramatic-retelling-of-indian-disaster/2014/11/25/0a8c8198-73fa-11e4-a589-1b102c2f81d0_story.html |archive-date=13 December 2014 }}{{rating|2|5}}</ref> In his review for ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', Frank Scheck praised Sheen's portrayal of Anderson and the visuals of the leakage but felt that the film is "slack in its tension".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Scheck |first1=Frank |title='Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/bhopal-a-prayer-rain-film-746112 |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] ([[Prometheus Global Media]]) |date=4 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113095258/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/bhopal-a-prayer-rain-film-746112 |archive-date=13 November 2014 }}</ref> Writing for ''[[The New York Times]]'', Ben Kenigsberg noted that the film "mines every chemical drip and gurgle for suspense."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kenigsberg |first1=Ben |title=30 Years Later, Reliving an Industrial Disaster: 'Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain' Stars Martin Sheen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/movies/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-stars-martin-sheen.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=6 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214100335/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/movies/bhopal-a-prayer-for-rain-stars-martin-sheen.html |archive-date=14 December 2014 }}</ref>

== Box office ==

In the first three days of its release, the film grossed merely {{INRConvert|900000}} at the Indian box office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Weekend box-office report: Action Jackson has a poor weekend... |url=http://www.filmfare.com/news/weekend-boxoffice-report-7914.html |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[Filmfare]] |publisher=[[Times Internet]] |date=8 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227141751/http://www.filmfare.com/news/weekend-boxoffice-report-7914.html |archive-date=27 December 2014 }}</ref> In its first weekend the film collected {{INRConvert|7|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |title='Action Jackson' box office collections: Ajay Devgn starrer fails to impress |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/article/lifestyle/showbiz/action-jackson-box-office-collections-ajay-devgn-starrer-fails-to-impress/18332/ |access-date=12 December 2014 |work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=12 December 2014 |location=Mumbai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217153112/http://www.financialexpress.com/article/lifestyle/showbiz/action-jackson-box-office-collections-ajay-devgn-starrer-fails-to-impress/18332/ |archive-date=17 December 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> At the United States domestic box office, the film grossed US$6,150 in its first weekend<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brooks |first1=Brian |title='The Theory of Everything' Hawking Relatively Strong Box Office Debut |url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/the-theory-of-everything-frederick-wiseman-box-office-1201279516/ |access-date=12 December 2014 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] ([[Penske Media Corporation]]) |date=9 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214161935/http://deadline.com/2014/11/the-theory-of-everything-frederick-wiseman-box-office-1201279516/ |archive-date=14 December 2014 }}</ref> and a total of US$12,628.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain (2014) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=bhopal.htm |access-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915002834/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=bhopal.htm |archive-date=15 September 2015 }}</ref> It grossed US$6,317 in its first week and US$6,311 in its second weekend.<ref>{{cite news|title=Weekly collection of Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekly&id=bhopal.htm |access-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924175928/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekly&id=bhopal.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[2014 in film]]
* [[List of British films of 2014]]
* [[List of Bollywood films of 2014]]
* [[Bhopal Express (film)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|25em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain}}

* {{IMDb title|0839742}}
* {{Mojo title|id=bhopal|title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|id=bhopal_a_prayer_for_rain|title=Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain}}
* {{Official website|http://bhopalmovie.com/}}

[[Category:2010s disaster films]]
[[Category:2014 films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Papon (singer)]]
[[Category:Bhopal disaster]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Disaster films based on actual events]]
[[Category:2014 English-language films]]
[[Category:English-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Films set in 1984]]
[[Category:Films set in Madhya Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films shot in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films scored by Benjamin Wallfisch]]
[[Category:2014 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2014 Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian disaster films]]
[[Category:2014 drama films]]
[[Category:2014 British films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Swanand Kirkire]]
[[Category:English-language drama films]]