Can Sultan cross 300 crore?

Q. Is there any chance for Sultan to cross 300 crore if it clashes with Raees?

A. 300 crore has been achieved only twice and both films not only had fantastic release dates, but also carried extraordinary word-of-mouth. When two equally big film like ‘Raees’ and ‘Sultan’ clash, then even the 250 crore mark would be difficult to surpass, unless one film is completely rejected. It all boils down to the film that’s better liked by the audience. Star power, trailer and every other factor would pretty much be insignificant after the first day. The Genre factor could come into play if both films receive a mixed response.

Q. You have extensively and regularly highlighted Salman’s “depressingly low times”. Can you remind me when were these “depressing low times”? The only time I remember before he (or any other Khan becomes stars) was perhaps 2006 and 2008. He had a Partner in 2007 and Wanted in 2009. In 2006 and 2008 also, other than Jaan-e-mann (in my opinion one of his better movies) and Yuvraaj, he only had guest appearances or his releases were long delayed movies. Yes, he had multiple multiple movies in a year but he didn’t really have a bad year other than 2006 or 2008 (which I explained above).

A. Salman was down and out for most part of last decade. Between 2000 and Wanted in 2009 (which was the beginning of his 2nd innings in the industry), Salman did 25 plus films and most of them didn’t work at the box office. Films that worked (hit or better) were Baghban (special appearance), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (also starring Akshay Kumar), Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, No Entry and Partner. The big point to be noted here is all (except Baghban) were comedy films, which released during a time when the genre was super-popular and almost everything that made people laugh worked. Also, 3 of those 4 films were directed by David Dhawan.

‘Depressingly low’ because many of his solo films didn’t even get a face-saving opening at the box office. Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya, Marigold, Kyon Ki, God Tussi Great Ho, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa and a few more were washouts. Salman himself wasn’t taking his career seriously and was wasting his talent and fan-following by working in sub-standard films – most of them signed as favours to his friends in the industry. He always had fans, it’s just that when he became more focused and started doing films for them, they came out in big numbers.