Your YouTube channel video mentions that Shah Rukh Khan’s next film will be directed by Raj-D.K. Is this the right choice for the actor, considering that he hasn’t done any film since a year?

– Why not? That Raj-D.K. know their job as directors is proven. Now, it all depends on the script. If the content is good, the two directors will be able to pull off a hit.

What is Hrithik Roshan’s next?

– Perhaps, Farah Khan’s remake of SATTE PE SATTA. That’s the only film of his that’s been announced — unofficially, though.

How did Hotel Mumbai fare worldwide? When did it release abroad?

– It was released in March 2019 and it was critically acclaimed. It did well in financial terms too, grossing around Rs. 140 crore Overseas.

With Dabangg 3 and Good Newwz slated for release in the last two weeks of 2019, and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior due in the first month of 2020, can we assume that this year will end with a bang, and the new year will start likewise?

– Yes, it is safe to assume so. This is because all the three films viz. DABANGG 3, GOOD NEWWZ and TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR would command fantastic initials. The trailers of all the three films are outstanding.

Are the stars paid for inaugurating events like the IFFI?

– The stars are a considerate lot. They do not charge for events like the IFFI.

If content is king, what is the writer?

– King maker!

If an action film like Satyameva Jayate can open very well, why did Marjaavaan, also an action fare and directed by the same person as Satyameva Jayate, not open as well?

– SATYAMEVA JAYATE had John Abraham, who has an action image, while MARJAAVAAN stars Sidharth Malhotra and Ritesh Deshmukh, both of who are not action heroes.

Does a hero select a script or does a script select a hero?

– It works both ways if a hero is talented. Like a talented hero is in search of a good script, a well-written script is also in search of a hero who would be able to deliver.

With some films now being made devoid of lip-synch songs, is music really important for a film’s success?

– Important?! It is supremely important – especially in a commercial entertainer. Some films can do without lip-synch songs or without any songs but commercial potboilers need to have songs because songs are integral to our culture.

What is this brouhaha about incorrect box-office figures doled out by the producers of Housefull 4?

– It’s much ado about something that’s been prevalent since years. Many producers do give out inflated box-office collections of their films but it is up to those reporting to correct them and put out the genuine figures. Frankly, not many so-called trade analysts and, of course, the self-styled trade analysts have the werewithal to get their hands on the genuine box-office collections and, therefore, either depend upon the producers for the same or randomly reduce the figures to appear unbiased. Both are dangerous moves. Film Information has a network of more than 200 representatives across India, to not just source the collections but also to verify those provided by the producers.

Will the fate of next week’s Bala be adversely affected because the other film on premature balding — Ujda Chaman — has released a week earlier?

– It’s the other way around. Perhaps, the fate of UJDA CHAMAN is going to be adversely affected as members of the public know that BALA is due next week and they may want to wait for that film.

What’s the whole purpose of bringing Radhe to the cinemas on Eid next year? Don’t you think, the film, which is still to roll, will have to be made in a tearing hurry?

– If Salman Khan is particular about releasing RADHE on Eid 2020, who is anybody to object? He feels, he can make the film and release it in six months, so that’s it.

What did you think of the trailer of Dabangg 3?

– It has all that is needed to ensure a bumper initial for the film when it releases on 20th December.

Wouldn’t it have been better if Housefull 4 had been released on 27th October instead of 25th as the first two days (25th and 26th) are pre-Diwali days?

– HOUSEFULL 4 is a big-budgeted multi-starrer which can withstand the dull pre-Diwali days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been interacting with the film industry people quite often. No other PM has, perhaps, been so connected with the industry. Can you explain why?

– Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of his own admission, has said that the film people can influence minds like nobody else can. He realises the importance of films as being a great tool for creating perceptions, moulding opinions and influencing minds. And he wants to use the talent of the film people for nation-building.

Is there any chance of Saand Ki Aankh being postponed? Or will it release on Diwali? I am a small-town exhibitor and am confused because there are rumours in the trade to that effect.

– No, the rumour is baseless. Diwali week will see three releases including SAAND KI AANKH.

What kind of an opening do you expect Housefull 4 to take, on 25th October?

– Since 25th October is a pre-Diwali day, the opening of HOUSEFULL 4 cannot and should not be expected to be earth-shattering. But despite the dull pre-Diwali day, the opening day’s figure could go up to Rs. 25-crore-plus.

When will Salman Khan begin shooting for Radhe? He has already announced its release on Eid next year?

– RADHE will roll in the first week of November, as soon as Salman and Prabhu Deva are free from DABANGG 3. Of course, they will have to divide their time between the shooting of RADHE and the post-production work of DABANGG 3.

Will War become the biggest blockbuster of this year so far? In other words, will it do more business at the box-office than Kabir Singh?

– It has all chances of overtaking the net collections of KABIR SINGH (Rs. 280 crore). WAR has already netted Rs. 238.50 crore in the first nine-day week. This includes the collections of the dubbed Tamil and Telugu versions, besides the original Hindi version.

Can any film this year break the record of Kabir Singh?

To start with, WAR can. Besides, DABANGG 3 has the potential. It is slated for release on 20th December.

How will films sustain at the box-office, given the glut of releases in the coming weeks right till the year-end?

– The survival of the fittest – that’s the law of the jungle… and the box-office!

Did you expect this kind of a phenomenal initial for War on 2nd October?

– Of course, WAR was all set to open huge. Its trailers and songs had been adored by the public. The audience was waiting to watch two of the best-looking heroes together on screen. Since both are brilliant at action and dance, the public was waiting for this action, song-dance fare with bated breath. They gave it all their love on the national holiday for Gandhi Jayanti, when the film opened. So, the fact that it has become the highest-grossing film on the first day is not surprising at all.

Which film do you expect will open big in the coming weeks?

– HOUSEFULL 4, DABANGG 3 and GOOD NEWWZ this year.

What do you think of the similarity in the subjects of Bala and Ujda Chaman?

– This is not the first time, this is happening. JYOTI BANE JWALA and JWALAMUKHI had similar subjects. Both were released in 1980. THE LEGEND OF BHAGAT SINGH and 23RD MARCH 1931: SHAHEED were both historicals based on freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s life, and they were released on the same day. SHAHEED-E-AZAM, another Bhagat Singh film, was released a week earlier. BALA and UJDA CHAMAN will be released in a gap of one week.