MUMBAI, June 24 -- UTV Motion Picture's sudden decision to release the Akshay Kumar-Sonakshi Sinha starrer Joker on August 31 and push Barfi! to September 14 has not gone down well with the film's lead actor.
A source close to the actor reveals that Ranbir was quite upset when he learned about the change. "The film has taken a long time to finish. Now if the release date is postponed, it would automatically disturb the commitments he made keeping the original release date in mind," says the source.
Apparently, three people from the production house visited the actor to convey the news and discuss their plans after the latest developments. "Ranbir didn't express any displeasure about the decision, but he is concerned about his schedules," says the source.
However, business wise the decision to push the release of Barfi! by a couple of weeks makes sense. The post-production still needs to be completed. But then the new release date will clash with Ranbir's shooting schedule for Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawani Hain Deewani, where he is paired with ex-flame Deepika Padukone. It might also affect director Abhinav Kashyap's film, tentatively titled Besharm, in which Ranbir plays the lead. The movie is expected to go on the floors in October/November. "Ranbir might need to cut short the promotions of Barfi! to fit in his prior commitments," says the source.
Director Anurag Basu's much-awaited Barfi! also stars Priyanka Chopra and Telugu star Ileana D'Cruz. Ranbir was unavailable for comments.
HT Media Limited
1