In an industry where a lot of money is riding on an actor's shoulders and everyone's interests are at stake, it takes really a long time for a star to reach a position where he can actually start planning the flow of his film releases.
Since the success of an actor has a lot to do with the timing of his film's release, the date acquires paramount importance. And like we said, not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy that status – something that Shaahid Kapoor has achieved in a relatively short span of time.
Post 'Jab We Met', Shaahid has joined the exclusive club of actors who can bask in the glory of having solo-hero films to their credit. That's what has made the actor even choosier not just about the films he signs but also with regard to the positioning of his releases – his new film 'Paathshala' being a classic example.
Most of us saw the theatrical trailer of 'Paathshala' a few months ago – a clear indication of the fact that the film would hit the screens soon enough. Then, all of a sudden, the trailers were pulled out and all the ongoing publicity plans came to a standstill.
Director Ahmed Khan, who was all set to promote the film in a big way took a backseat almost overnight with no one having a clue as to why the film was put on hold, despite being ready. Now one discovers it was Shaahid's call to push the film forward to pave way for his much-awaited Vishal Bharadwaj-directed thriller, 'Kaminay'.
Ahmed and Shaahid have been good friends for a long time now. In fact, Ahmed is one of few people the actor hangs around with even when he's not shooting. One may recall the time Shaahid was dating tennis sensation Sania Mirza; it was Ahmed who always played a major role whenever she was in town. The three of them would often be seen cruising around in Shaahid's swanky car in Mumbai's suburbs and even at dinners.
That also explains why Shaahid agreed to do a special appearance in 'Paathshala' even though Ahmed's earlier films like 'Fool N Final' and 'Lakeer' had proved to be duds at the box-office. All was well until the first theatrical trailer of 'Paathshala' was aired. The entire trailer featured only Shaahid, making the film look like a solo-starrer.
It's not that Ahmed did this without Shaahid's approval. But at that time, the actor did probably not realise the implications of it. The reactions were favourable but the trade and people in general believed it was an out-and-out Shaahid film because that's how it was portrayed in the promo.
That somehow became an added burden on the actor. Like a source close to him says, "If Shaahid would've said that it was only a guest appearance, the film would've suffered. And if he would've let it go, he knew his fans would've felt cheated."
That's when the actor decided the best way out was to postpone the film's release itself. "Shaahid already had a 'Kismat Konnection' behind him, which hadn't done as well as he had expected. His next release was coming after a long time. So rather than having a film, which had him in a special appearance, he believed the better bet would be 'Kaminay', which has already generated so much of hype," says the source.
The year 2009 seems to be a very significant and deciding year in Shaahid's career since four of his films ('Kaminay', 'Paathshala', 'Milenge Milenge' and Anurag Singh's next) will be releasing. "Shaahid thinks that his next release after 'Kismat Konnection' should show him in a totally different light; something that 'Kaminay' offers and 'Paathshaala' doesn't."
Ahmed was supposed to release 'Paathshala' two months back and that's why the trailer started so early. According to insiders, when Shaahid told Ahmed that he wanted to delay the film, Ahmed was not too happy about it.
However, he had little choice in the matter. Had it not been for Shaahid's association with the film, it wouldn't have attracted any takers so he had to abide by the actor's decision. Ahmed too is banking rather heavily on this film since his past films haven't exactly been successes. This also led to a certain amount of friction in their friendship for a while.
"Ahmed was upset and he made no bones about it. But eventually, they sorted their differences. Recently, the two were seen again at a suburban caf having a good time – just like before. Now, Ahmed seems to have accepted the situation and is waiting for 'Kaminay' to release so he can be next."
'Kaminay' is set to release in March but just in case it gets delayed further, Ahmed would be hit badly. The delay is already costing the filmmaker dearly.
An insider also reveals why Shaahid is banking so much on 'Kaminay' and why he's very kicked about the film. "It is not that Shaahid would do this to any producer. In the case of 'Paathshala', he was clear from the beginning that it was a guest appearance.
Besides, in 'Kaminay', Shaahid is offering an entire new dimension to the audience. He has two distinct looks in the film as he plays a double role for the first time in his career. Also, it is Vishal's first attempt at mainstream commercial cinema apart from it being his first original script. 'Kaminay' is a film for the masses – it has all the thrills, romance and even a huge dose of comedy – all in typical Vishal Bharadwaj style."
The source goes on to add, "The other most important part is that for the first time, Shaahid is being paired opposite Priyanka Chopra. It's bound to create a lot of curiosity since the couple is now seeing each other."
When we spoke to Shaahid, he confirmed that 'Paathshala' has been delayed. "It was a mutual decision in the better interests of everyone concerned. I am going to have a release after a long time and everyone felt that 'Kaminay', which shows me in a totally different light, would be more apt. Anyway, in 'Paathshala', I'm just doing a guest appearance," he said.
The good news for Ahmed Khan is that the waiting game is finally getting over. And if 'Kaminay' strikes gold, the one to benefit the most would be Ahmed as he's next in line. So right now, he's just keeping his fingers crossed.
**Courtesy: Stardust
Channel V Dil Dosti Dance
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