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It's finally D-day. After Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, this is the next big clash of debutants in Bollywood. Today, Imran Khan clashes with Harman Baweja at the BO; two strong contestants with two strong movies and a strong backing on either side. BT takes a 'ring'side view.
FAMILY TIES
If your uncle is an actor par excellence like Aamir Khan, it's almost half the battle won. Especially if he's backing you, grooming you, promoting you... and producing your movie! Imran's got an acting school in his own backyard. He already scores!
IF LOOKS COULD KILL!
Ok, he's not the hot hunk with bulging biceps, he's not even the cutest thing God has created. But you'd have to admit, there's something inexplicably appealing about Imran… and he's already got the ladies charmed. That mischievous smile, those eyes that speak a hundred words, and that boyish innocence, Imran's got what it takes. Lookswise.
FILMI FUNDAS
Romance never fails in Bollywood. So there couldn't be a better launchpad for Imran, whose debut film is a quintessential romance of young love and opposites attracting. It's fresh, it's bubbly, it's got that lovin' feelin.
MARKETING MAGIC
The usually reticent and media unsavvy Aamir has this time gone all out to promote both the film and his nephew. So much so, that even when old friend Harry Baweja asked Aamir to postpone his film's release so that it wouldn't clash with his son Harman's debut, Aamir declined. What's more, we hear he even ousted Harman from Salman Khan's television game show, and requested Salman to make him and Imran the special guests on the show.
FAMILY TIES
If Imran's got his uncle for backing, then Harman's got his own father Harry Baweja for support. Making his debut in his own dad's production, now that's a start. Another 'familial' cherry on Harman's cake… starring opposite real-life girlfriend and numero uno actress Priyanka Chopra. Filming intimate scenes couldn't get easier!
IF LOOKS COULD KILL!
What we do know is that Harman does resemble Hrithink Roshan. What we don't know, however know, is whether this resemblance will work in his favour or against him. Either ways, the hype about his semblance to Hrithik seems to have created a stir already, and that's working in his support.
FILMI FUNDAS
Harman's film is also a love story, but with a difference. Its USP is its futuristic sci-fi theme with special effects that are set to blow your senses away.
MARKETING MAGIC
The Bawejas are pulling no stops in marketing their futuristic film. Their string of promotional launches included a special music release, marketing the much-talkedabout robot teddy, tying up with a jewellery brand to create futuristic jewellery and the final touch, a worldwide international premiere.
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY:
KOMAL NAHTA, TRADE ANALYST
Harman's been marketed and written about so extensively that people already feel he's a part of the industry. The public has already accepted him and that will go in his favour. His similarity to Hrithik has also created quite an interest. In Imran's case, he has underplayed himself so beautifully, that everybody wants to know about him. Being Aamir's nephew, the expectations are sky high, and it being an Aamir Khan production, the expectations for the film are high too. Another plus point is that the songs of the film are already a hit.
TARAN ADARSH, TRADE ANALYST
Both youngsters will take Bollywood by storm. The two of them are so well prepared and with both coming from Bollywood backgrounds, there is much to look forward to. The fact that their films are from diverse genres will also go in their favour.
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Jodha Akbar
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