What kind of an initial do you expect Saaho to take on 30th August?

– It should take a good start. The opening may not be outstanding.

If two big films can release in the Diwali, Independence Day, Christmas or Republic Day weekends, why can’t two films open in the Gandhi Jayanti weekend?

– While your logic is correct, it all depends on the two films in question. If one film is too big, and the other is relatively small, the second producer might not be willing to release his film in direct opposition of the first film.

What was the reason for such a phenomenal start to Mission Mangal?

– The trailers were excellent and gave a fantastic feeling to the public. Akshay Kumar starrers usually open well. And, of course, the benefit of holiday for Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan on the day of the film’s release also helped a great deal to make this the biggest opening for Akshay Kumar solo so far.

What did you think of the trailer of Chhichhore?

– With a title like CHHICHHORE, one would expect the film to be full of fun, comedy and humour. But the trailer suggests that this one abounds in not just comedy and fun but also emotions. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Nitesh Tiwari seem to have a winner on their hands.

Will Sanjay Dutt’s Prasthanam come with Sunny Deol’s Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas on 20th September? What about The Zoya Factor?

– As of now, PRASTHANAM and PAL PAL DIL KE PAAS are due on 20th September. As for THE ZOYA FACTOR, it might get postponed.

Can Mission Mangal and Batla House collect Rs. 50 crore on the first day?

– Their combined net collection can be Rs. 50 crore or even more. That is to say, the capacity exists. It all depends on what kind of initial the two films take.

How many releases will Shraddha Kapoor have this year?

– Three releases. Her account in 2019 will open on 30th August with SAAHO. In the following week will come CHHICHHORE. Her STREET DANCER 3D will also release this year.

Will Dabangg 3 and Good News release this year on the same date?

– Both will release this year but on different dates. While DABANGG 3 will come on 20th December, GOOD NEWS will hit the screens on 27th December.

When will Karan Johar start his ambitious film, Takht?

– It will roll early next year.

There’s no major opposition for Super 30 next week. Does that mean that it will rule the box-office next week too?

– Hollywood’s THE LION KING (animation) will be a formidable opposition to SUPER 30 next week. It is also being released in Hindi (dubbed).

Do you have any pre-release re­ports of Sajid Nadiadwala’s Chhi­chhore?

– The title may be CHHICHHORE but insiders reveal that the film is not just an entertainer; it is also a super tear-jerker. Director Nitesh Tiwari seems to have done it once again.

How can three films release on 20th September when there’s no special holiday in that week?

– As of now, PRASTHANAM, PAL PAL DIL KE PAAS and THE ZOYA FACTOR are slated for relea­se on 20th September. All three may finally not hit the screens on the same day, and the release schedules of at least one or two may possibly change. That’s be­cause all are important films in their own way. PRASTHANAM is Sanjay Dutt’s film; PAL PAL DIL KE PAAS is Sunny Deol’s film which will launch his son, Karan Deol; THE ZOYA FACTOR stars Sonam Kapoor.

Is Kabir Singh the reason for Malaal not taking a decent opening? People seem to be in the Kabir Singh world even now.

– If MALAAL took a dull start this week, it had nothing to do with KABIR SINGH which has entered its third week. MALAAL opened slow because it stars newcomers but was not promoted with much fanfare.

Will Jabariya Jodi change the game for Sidharth Malhotra?

– The trailer of JABARIYA JODI is definitely funny. If the film is like the trailer, it could make things bet­ter for its hero, Sidharth Malhotra, as also leading lady, Parineeti Chopra.

What’s your reaction to the trailer of Mental Hai Kya?

– It’s now JUDGEMENTAL HAI KYA, not MENTAL HAI KYA. The trailer is pretty interesting. Both, Kangana Ranaut and Rajkumar Rao, seem to be in top form, going by the trailer.

What kind of an initial can The Lion King be expected to take on 19th July?

– Phenomenal! Going by the immense craze for the film, it can be expected to open to bumper houses.

Are Indian films allowed to run for a limited period of time in China?

– Yes, an Indian film can run for only four weeks in China. But if a Chinese party co-produces the In­dian film, there would be no restriction on the number of weeks. Aamir Khan had a Chinese company as co-producer of his SECRET SUPERSTAR because of which it was not discontinued in China after a 4-week run.

If film business has become quite transparent today due to computeri­sed ticketing in many big cities, why are there often disputes between corporates and producers?

– Many corporate houses inflate what they have spent on promotion and marketing when they present accounts to their partners in production (the producers). By doing so, they can ‘convert’ a hit film into a loss-making one and, therefore, not pay their partners anything.