Santoshi happy with 'Halla Bol' release postponement

Mumbai, Dec 4 (IANS) Taking a cue from the clash of 'Saawariya' and 'Om Shanti Om' at the box office, director Rajkumar Santoshi is playing safe by postponing the release of his new movie 'Halla Bol' by two weeks.

Though the director was out of the country when the producers took the decision to shift the film's release, Santoshi is all for it as 'Taare Zameen Par' and 'Welcome' were to be released on the same day.

'Since there're two other big films scheduled for Dec 21, I see no harm in being cautious and shifting 'Halla Bol' forward. The film's leading man, Ajay Devgan, sat down with the producers and decided this. I agree completely with their decision,' said Santoshi.

Santoshi is currently in Los Angeles finalising the technicians for his two lavish period films, one on emperor Ashoka, which he will begin shooting in the beginning of 2008, and the 'Ramayan', which comes at the end of next year.

Both the films have actor Ajay Devgan in the lead.

He said: 'Both these films require tremendous pre-production detailing. I can't afford to think about 'Halla Bol' at the moment. As far as I'm concerned, I've done my best.

'Contrary to reports, the movie is not set in the film industry. Yes, the hero is a film actor and there're passing references to stars and events. But Ajay could be any professional. 'Halla Bol' , a wakeup call for our collective conscience.'