Raees, not worth of release in Pakistan

Once upon a time Shahrukh Khan used to be the most popular actor abroad and his films were undisputed king in overseas market. But now Shahrukh has lagged far behind. His popularity and turnover was much more than Amir Khan and Salman Khan. Shahrukh was the only actor whose films had a business of upto Rs. 50 to 65 crores in the overseas market. But now the scene has changed due to viewers and increasing number of cinema halls. Amir’s 3 idiots and Salman’s Bodyguard proved to be a game changer in overseas market. If seen on the basis of box offfice collection, footfall; four crore have viewed Dangal, four crore have seen Sultan and two crore have viewed Raees. As per the trend estimate life lime gross turnover of Raees may confine upto 140 crore, while Dangal and Sultan are within the range of 400-450 crore. In fact since the starting of Raees, it had to face a lot of misfortunes. Earlier release date of the film postponed after one year of teaser release. When it was the final release, the Indo-Pak relations came to a halt, which directly affected Raees. The main reason was the lead role of Pak actress Mahira Khan opposite Shahrukh Khan in the film. The tension lead to the ban on Pak artists in India and various organizations including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (Manse) threatened for not releasing the films with Pak actors in India. Just after the assurance from Raj Thackray Raees could be released on 25th January, but it was shocked at the box office with the ban on its release in Pakistan. Looking at the good response to Kaabil, released in Pakistan, Shahrukh was sure about the best at Pakistan box office. But the Pak Censor Board gave a sudden shock to Shahrukh on Monday afternoon. Board banned the viewing of the film in Pakistan, so it couldn’t be released there. As per reports in Pak media, Pak Censor Board decided not to release the film in Pakistan after viewing it. Board members were of the view that the film shows a negative image of Muslims and Islam has been presented in a poor manner. Particularly a group of Muslims has been presented as criminals, terrorists and most wanted persons and it may have adverse impact over Muslim community. It’s a big shock for Shahrukh Khan. He particularly made such a film, chose a Pak actress, wore such a dress in film that clearly hints the community for which the film was made and the community itself rejected the film. Once number one in all three Khans, Shahrukh Khan has come down to the third stair. Neither there is benefit in working with junior girls nor there is any film with a porn star. Shahrukh Khan has played a Muslim role in last three films. Will the ill-fated Shahrukh Khan be able to stable himself at this falling stairs?

* Anil Narendra