In just 17 days, Bollywood’s controversial movie Padmaavat has raked in an astounding $36 million USD.

Audiences across the globe have flocked to cinemas to watch the movie which has also registered the highest takings for a Hindi film overseas.

The Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh movie continues its strong run at the box-office.

According to a report on Boxofficeindia.com, 'Padmaavat' had an excellent third Saturday as the film topped a total of $36 million USD.

However, it has not been without controversy and was not only banned in two Indian states but Malaysia's Film Censorship Board also ruled that it was "not approved for screening", as the Sultan was portrayed as arrogant, cruel, and inhumane.

Malaysia’s Home Ministry last week barred the controversial film "Padmaavat" after deeming the movie a negative portrayal of a Muslim ruler.

The film has already attracted widespread protests in India, after groups critical of the project accused its director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, of distorting history by portraying the Muslim ruler as the "lover" of Queen Padmaavati of the Hindu Rajput warrior clan.

Bollywood films are popular in Malaysia, where ethnic Indians make up seven percent of the country's 32 million people.