Sultan Vs Raees: Salman, Shah Rukh Khan clash may be avoided
It’s possible that the much-hyped clash of the Khans on Eid next year, might just not happen at all. The trade pundits feel that a lot depends upon the box office report of Shah Rukh’s Dilwale and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani that clash this year-end during the Christmas week, on December 18. Then, it will also be determined by the fate of Shah Rukh's next, YRF's Fan, which releases in April next year. “It all depends upon how these films fare at the box office and the situation might then change. Then, there is a possibility that Shah Rukh and Salman will sit together and mutually decide among themselves and one of them might move the release date. When there are huge stars involved, it is they who take the call about most of the important decisions of their films, not the producers. Now both the stars are on good terms so sitting down and discussing won't be a problem. Also, for Shah Rukh, the opposite party is Yashraj (the producers ofSultan), with who he shares very good relations, so negotiation is possible which isn't in case of Bajirao Mastani which involves Bhansali and Eros. Here, it is more of an ego clash,” explained a senior trade expert, further adding that both the parties would, for their own benefit, like to keep the buzz and hype alive till they are close to the release date.
In fact, Ritesh Sidhwani, the producer of Raees, few months back had said that the filmmakers will attempt a discussion over the so-called clash. "Once both the films are done, we will sit and talk. Several films are announced but then they (release dates) are moved too," Ritesh had said around the release of Bangistan, in July. "Eid is next year and our film just has 20 days of shooting left. We're working so that the film comes on Eid, because it is that kind of a film. Even they (the Sultan team) will also try for a similar plan but first let the shooting of their film begin and then we'll see. There is no specific intention to have a clash," Ritesh had further said.
Actor-producer, Farhan Akhtar, the other producer of Raees, however, felt that too much of controversy is being generated on the films’ ‘clash’. “Anyone can release their film on any day if they want to, and if not then it's their choice,” said Farhan, who clearly said that Raees will keep its date with Eid while it was upto Salman forSultan’s release. When asked if the big clash will really happen, Farhan said, "We are releasing our film on Eid, will they also release the same time, that Salman will decide," But, when further asked if the clash could be averted by both the parties sitting and talking after the films are ready, Farhan said, “Yes, that is also possible, who knows? There is still lot of time for the release to happen."