It’s obvious that no production house wants clashes of any kind. Everyone seems to prefer a solo release. And with holidays reigning in major crowds into the cinema, even major holidays are being earmarked for stars. Ever noticed how major holiday dates are all prefixed for movie releases by the Khans in Bollywood? Take for instance, Christmas vacation. It’s invariably the ‘perfectionist’ Aamir Khan’s films that hit the cinemas at that time. Then comes the Id holiday. This again, is dominated, or rather reserved for the hero of the masses as well as the entire film industry — Salman Khan. And mind you, no one wants to mess with the Sultan.
With Dharma productions’ romantic, fun-filled commercial film, Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, slated to be released soon, we caught up with producer Karan Johar to find out if his production house would be blocking Id for the release. “Why would I want to take away the Id date from Salman?” retorts KJo. “All his films release on Id, and everyone is aware of this. I would never dare to encash my films on Id.”
Further adding, he says, “Yes! If any of my films is in association with Salman, then unhesitatingly, I will release it on Id. Holidays ensure audience attendance in large numbers, helping the exhibitors, distributors as well the producers get back the invested amount and some extra perks.” So, is it the respect for or the fear of bhai that keeps producers from releasing their films on Id? Or is it Salman Khan’s popularity that keeps the producers from messing with him? Whatever the reason maybe, filmmaking has certainly become a tough business. What with audiences asking for something, while the exhibitors, distributors and corporates trying hard to meet demands.
