Note: There's a brief summary of it here.
This is not by Shah Rukh, but since it's an interview on the conclusion of the strike and I'm following the issue.. so, I'm pasting it here. I'm especially curious as to whom was he aiming the sentence I bolded right at the end. I know that Aamir was the one who was so gung-ho about this due to his own tussle with the multiplex owners and he roped in Shah Rukh to help out (coz having Shah Rukh at any event always guarantees maximum eyeballs). Hmm, hmm...
And wow, putting both of them as your front faces at the beginning... then turning around and saying that they're "...not part of the core community during the just-concluded crisis," sounds very grown-up and mature, Mr. Khanna. Keep up the good work~
Aamir, Shah Rukh not in core group:Khanna
“ We arrived at a settlement late on Thursday night”
So is the strike finally over?
Yes, it’s finally over. We arrived at a settlement late on Thursday night. The problem was the way films were distributed in the last 15 years was very different from what it used to be 50 years before that. With more releases, emergence of multiplex theatres and corporate houses planning releases in a more organized and lavish scale, the market had changed dramatically. But no ground rules about marketing and distribution emerged. Sometimes stronger producers would muscle their way and extract something extra from the multiplexes. Or the larger chain would bully the smaller producer into saying, Okay if you want me to release your film in Kolkata you give it to me for Asansol also.’ In a way, a long-due framework of how the downstream business will operate, has finally been worked out.
Everyone went home happy after the meeting on Thursday night?
Yes. Before I got involved with the strike the producers and exhibitors had taken very hard positions. It took a lot of effort to thaw the ice between the two parties. It was a long-drawn process. We started the meeting at 2 pm on Thursday and ended at 2 am on Friday morning.
What are the financial equations between multiplex owners and producers that have been worked out?
We’ve tried to be as fair to both sides as possible. The right to the marketing strategy of a film will now rest with the producer. The producer will decide how and where to release his film. As a counterbalance to this, the showcasing rights as they are called, that is, how many shows for every film, will rest with the exhibitor. The theatre owners will have the right to decide how many shows each film gets. In this way, no one gets exploited.
What about the revenue-sharing?
It would be 50 percent for the first week, 42 ½ for the second week, 37 ½ for the third week and 30 percent for the fourth week. However there’s a provision provided now by which if a threshold of profits is reached by a film in a certain number of screens then that film will be entitled to a bonus of 2 ½ percent for the first two weeks. That means a successful film like Ghajini gets a little more. Similarly, as a counterpoint to this, by another provision, films that perform exceptionally poorly, like for instance our own Reliace release Love Story 2050, the exhibitor gets a 2 ½ percent rebate.
Besides you, who else were the architects of the resolution?
Mukesh Bhatt and Yash Chopra from the producers’ side. From the mutiplex sides we had Ajay Bijli as the main representative.
Was the time chosen for the strike a deliberate attempt to coincide with the IPL matches?
No, I don’t think so. The differences were brewing for a long time. A couple of meetings ended in an impasse. But finally reason prevailed.
Would you say this is one of the worst years for the film industry?
I’d say this is a year of change. And change is always painful. The entertainment industry is going through a metamorphosis.
In-between Reliance Big Pictures had decided to exempt themselves from the strike?
That was only a rumour.
But Vashu Bhagnani said so.
He can say anything. But I was always confident that before this eventuality could be considered, the strike would be resolved. In any case since Big Pictures has its own chain of theatres, I never had an issue releasing my own pictures in my own theatres.
How much are the losses for the film industry because of the strike?
We’re hit very badly. We’ve lost between 200 and 300 crore rupees. But it was finally for the good. Now we’ve to bring in more efficiency for the system to make up for the losses. Last night Aamir Khan called me. We discussed the problems that the film industry has to face. Everyone is now willing to work together.
What about Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan as the glamour faces of the strike?
There was big crisis in the film industry in 1986. And all the stars were involved. Earlier people like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Manoj Kumar were actively involved in all industry crises. But Aamir and Shah Rukh were not part of the core community during the just-concluded crisis. I think this industry is growing up. I’m sure that after the strike everyone now realizes that your personal interests have to be separated from the industry’s interests.
Showing posts with label producers vs multiplex owners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label producers vs multiplex owners. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Aamir-SRK made for each other
Source
The last few meetings with Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan will definitely make an interesting Bollywood
movie.
The two actors “who still have personal unresolved issues,” according to their own personal confession, have shown remarkable composure on the professional front, says a Bollywood producer to BT.
“Each of the United Forum Producers and Distributors meeting that these two Bollywood superstars have attended have once again highlighted that these two superstars have a crackling chemistry,” says the producer, who attended the meeting to resolve the multiplex crisis at a film Studio, a week ago.
For example, when Shah Rukh turned up at 5.30 pm sharp, a puzzled Yash Chopra looked at him and said, “Arre, you’re on the dot today,” to which SRK said, “Oh I thought the meeting was at 4.30 pm, and I am an hour late.”
Aamir gave a naughty wink because he had sent a SMS to SRK saying that the meeting was scheduled at 4.30 pm, knowing very well that SRK would turn up at least an hour late.
On another occasion, Aamir was losing his cool with the arguments being floated, but it was SRK who prevailed upon him to please not stage a walkout for the sake of the entire producer fraternity. “Don’t get agitated,” said a patient Shah Rukh to his ‘professional buddy’ Aamir, adding, “you have to learn to be more patient yaar.”
The Bollywood producers are completely bowled over by the way these two actors have been complementing each other. He says, “There are days when SRK is more aggressive, then Aamir plays passive. But between them they have rallied around and got other actors professionally involved as well to find what may not be a quick-fix solution, but it will benefit the industry in the long run.”
“It’s a pity these two may never been seen on screen together,” says the source. “In terms of habit, temperament and even in terms of patience, they are an ideal match.” Guess the fact that they are so elusive in their personal equation with each other is what makes them even more attractive for the junta.
The last few meetings with Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan will definitely make an interesting Bollywood
The two actors “who still have personal unresolved issues,” according to their own personal confession, have shown remarkable composure on the professional front, says a Bollywood producer to BT.
“Each of the United Forum Producers and Distributors meeting that these two Bollywood superstars have attended have once again highlighted that these two superstars have a crackling chemistry,” says the producer, who attended the meeting to resolve the multiplex crisis at a film Studio, a week ago.
For example, when Shah Rukh turned up at 5.30 pm sharp, a puzzled Yash Chopra looked at him and said, “Arre, you’re on the dot today,” to which SRK said, “Oh I thought the meeting was at 4.30 pm, and I am an hour late.”
Aamir gave a naughty wink because he had sent a SMS to SRK saying that the meeting was scheduled at 4.30 pm, knowing very well that SRK would turn up at least an hour late.
On another occasion, Aamir was losing his cool with the arguments being floated, but it was SRK who prevailed upon him to please not stage a walkout for the sake of the entire producer fraternity. “Don’t get agitated,” said a patient Shah Rukh to his ‘professional buddy’ Aamir, adding, “you have to learn to be more patient yaar.”
The Bollywood producers are completely bowled over by the way these two actors have been complementing each other. He says, “There are days when SRK is more aggressive, then Aamir plays passive. But between them they have rallied around and got other actors professionally involved as well to find what may not be a quick-fix solution, but it will benefit the industry in the long run.”
“It’s a pity these two may never been seen on screen together,” says the source. “In terms of habit, temperament and even in terms of patience, they are an ideal match.” Guess the fact that they are so elusive in their personal equation with each other is what makes them even more attractive for the junta.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Multiplex war!
So what's happening in Bollywood land? I know I predicted that the multiplex owners are gonna give in a week after the boycott (or better known as the 'pipeline repair work') was announced by the producers, but it seems that the owners have more resilience than I thought they had. Or maybe the 2% extra is really a lot of money, since they're fighting tooth and nail for it. Now the producers are talking about returning to the single screens.
I wonder how this will change the landscape of the hindi film industry. Multiplex changed it before by doing a good job in bringing a lot of moollah for everyone. The fact that all parties are being stubborn about this suggests to me that there must be another story to it than just dollars and cents. But I'm an ardent subscriber to conspiracy theories and am paranoid by nature, so I might be wrong.
What these people need is a 3rd party at the negotiating table. I don't care how this silence will end but if I were deprived from watching MNIK, Ra-1, Happy New Year & Don 2 this year and next because the pipeline has to suffer more downtime, I'm not going to be very pleased.
By Bindu Rai on Saturday, May 09, 2009
I wonder how this will change the landscape of the hindi film industry. Multiplex changed it before by doing a good job in bringing a lot of moollah for everyone. The fact that all parties are being stubborn about this suggests to me that there must be another story to it than just dollars and cents. But I'm an ardent subscriber to conspiracy theories and am paranoid by nature, so I might be wrong.
What these people need is a 3rd party at the negotiating table. I don't care how this silence will end but if I were deprived from watching MNIK, Ra-1, Happy New Year & Don 2 this year and next because the pipeline has to suffer more downtime, I'm not going to be very pleased.
By Bindu Rai on Saturday, May 09, 2009
It's been 38 days since Bollywood fans gorged on their weekly diet of high-laced drama and that seasonal mix of musical kitsch.
Any enterprising producer could build a big-budget movie based on such gripping circumstances. But unlike reel-life, reality bites and the world's biggest film industry is learning this the hard way.
Swallowing losses worth Rs500 million (Dh37m) since the April 3 production strike, new Bollywood releases have grinded to a halt in the war against India's multiplex cinema owners over revenue sharing; filmmakers are demanding a 50 per cent share in total profits, while multiplexes agree to that number for the opening week.
That figure increases two-fold when you factor in auxiliary industries like hoardings, public relations and television advertising. Analysts predict, if not resolved soon, the industry stands to lose over Rs2.5 billion in the upcoming high stakes game of summer blockbuster glory.
After a closed-door meeting between the warring parties went bust on Tuesday, Bollywood added this blow to the growing credit crisis that has crippled the industry with a drastic 30 to 40 per cent drop in new films being produced – a case of investors keeping their purses closed.
The question begs to be asked: Is it lights out for big-budget Bollywood glam?
Not quite yet. Producers will now take a cut in profit by releasing new films in single-screen theatres across India.
"Our talks have stalled," said Mukesh Bhatt, official spokesperson of the Producers and Distributors Forum, in a recent interview. "We are looking at releasing films in single screens and independent non-national multiplexes in two weeks."
When Emirates Business contacted Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, India's largest production house, he confirmed the news, saying: "We are releasing our forthcoming productions in single-screen cinemas and plans are currently being drawn up."
Yet, Kapur denies any of their films have been stalled.
Single cuts a lonely figure, and for an industry that banks on the billions raked in by multiplexes, Bollywood may be in for a rough ride.
For UAE audiences though, this is certainly good news during the summer, where cinema features high on the list of "outdoor" activities.
"I wasn't sure what I would be doing for two months had they decided not to release any movies until this strike is resolved," says student Meenaxi Tandon. "I'm waiting to catch Kambakkat Ishq."
This Sajid Nadiadwala's mega-budget film is reportedly one such project affected by the strike. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, along with Hollywood's Sylvester Stallone.
Yash Raj Films' John Abraham-Katrina Kaif starrer, New York, had also been put on the back burner.
Last month, actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan held a joint press conference to request a dialogue between the producers and mutiplexes. But critics looked upon this as a shrewd publicity stunt to garner goodwill and ensure their own interests as independent producers.
Aamir went a step further on his blog, saying the strike will continue "until we get fair terms, and they stop bullying us, and stop all irregularities."
With these battle lines drawn, the ultimate loser appears to be the industry itself.
Dvd sales get a boost
With the ongoing boycott of multiplex cinemas by Bollywood producers, DVD sales and the video rental market in India have benefited.
Sangram Patil, a manager with online DVD rental company Seventymm in Mumbai, says: "The strike is working to our advantage ."
The DVD market was estimated to be worth Rs8.6 billion in 2008 and is forecast to double to Rs16bn by 2013, according to KPMG.
Reliance Anil Dhirubai Ambani's Big-flix.com and Moser Baer have ruled the home entertainment arena for three years. Long-term profits from the strike remain to be seen. (Reuters)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Update!
The last before I pack up and go back to hometown for the weekend tomorrow night ^^
Shah Rukh Khan shoots for Kolkata Knight Riders video
Shah Rukh Khan will now leave for South Africa on the 14 April for the inaugural ceremony, which will take place on the 17 April. The actor said, “I will not be able to accompany my team throughout the tournament, but I will fly out a couple of times and stay there for longer spells.”
United front with wise-cracks - Gentle jibes spice up alliance of Khans against multiplexes
Shah Rukh said he hoped that not many of the small and regional filmmakers would break rank. He reserved a terse message for the Anjan Dutt-directed Bengali film Chowrasta - Crossroads of Love, expected to release in multiplexes on April 17.
Shah Rukh Khan shoots for Kolkata Knight Riders video
Shah Rukh Khan will now leave for South Africa on the 14 April for the inaugural ceremony, which will take place on the 17 April. The actor said, “I will not be able to accompany my team throughout the tournament, but I will fly out a couple of times and stay there for longer spells.”
United front with wise-cracks - Gentle jibes spice up alliance of Khans against multiplexes
Shah Rukh said he hoped that not many of the small and regional filmmakers would break rank. He reserved a terse message for the Anjan Dutt-directed Bengali film Chowrasta - Crossroads of Love, expected to release in multiplexes on April 17.
“I am sure they have got an amazingly shameful deal — some pittance. I would only request them to let the big guys fight this war for them because eventually they will also be gainers,” he said as Aamir nodded in agreement.
I've been looking all over the place for the transcript, I deserve to paste the whole thing here!
But of course I'll link it back to the original post~ XD
SRK: We want fans to see our films!
Filmmaker-actor Shah Rukh Khan shares his views on the multiplex owners versus producers and distributors standoff. Speaking at a press conference, Khan said he agreed with Aamir Khan and why he felt equality is the best solution to the problem.
FIRST of all, I would like to say that none of us, whether Aamir, Karan, Rakeshji (Rakesh Roshan), Ratanji (Ratan Jain), me or Yashji (Yash Chopra) or our seniors is the leader of this forum. We are here to share our collective thoughts for a clear perspective.
On calling for a gathering
We are not here to prevent our fans, supporters and well wishers from seeing films. We don’t want to do that at all. I speak very honestly for everyone here. We love films and making them. Our biggest wish is to die making films. The entire fraternity is here because we love to make films and show it to an audience. We are not here to stop showing the films to the audience. Filmmaking is what we do as we know how to do it. Films are being made as we speak.
The problem is, we know how to make films but we don’t know how to take it to the audience. That is why we have partners. There are distributors, theatres and the media for that. This partnership, bond, pipeline or marriage is now suffering. So we are here to repair the problem.
This is not a strike at all. It is a halt due to repairs that we are working towards and we apologise for this halt. This is not a strike and we need to repair the pipeline.
On why the profit sharing ratio must change
We are not doing for this greed or profits or for an extra one or two per cent. None of us are here for that. Some of us are very senior and legendary filmmakers. We are not here to loot anyone. The basic fight is for equality to create a platform for all sorts of films whether big or small, whether good or bad, whether made by an independent producer or by a studio. This fight is more for small films because somewhere along the line, they get left behind in negotiations. They don’t know anything about profit sharing so they just plead to the multiplexes to release the film. In the long run, the rightful path or our slogan, Fair Rights for Friday Nights, will benefit small films more than the big films.
On his take on the multiplexes
We are not here for a power show; (to show) that powerful people have come together on a platform. We will not use our ‘power’ to shake multiplexes. There is nothing like that at all. This is a marriage where we all are partners. The film federation has directors, producers, technicians, actors, studios, distributors, exhibitors and multiplexes as partners. We work together to show films to an audience. This is a show of coming together and of uniting.
A certain part of our family is not on the right path and we want to bring this issue to the forefront. We want a fair dialogue.
This is not a deadlock. We are not saying, “This is it. Take this or leave this. It is our way or the highway”. Not at all!
We have had discussions in good spirit with the multiplex owners for months, but we have not reached a final solution. That is why we have united to present our opinions and thoughts to them. We want to sit across with the multiplex and talk about getting fair rights for Friday nights for everyone.
I am saying this with a lot of humility. As Aamir rightly said, reasons such as bad films or bad content are cited for films not being played at multiplexes. I don’t think that is an issue multiplexes can discuss. No one tries to make a bad film. No matter how the film, it has the right to be seen by the audience that decides the verdict. By the second show on Friday, we know in very clear terms (whether) the film is good or not. I think all these little issues about creativity should be left to the creative people and the audience. The connecting pipeline should not have much say in it.
I would like to say that this issue is not confined to the studios, producers and distributors. It is going to impact everyone. For some time, we will see fewer films. Sadly, we are coming to a halt to repair the pipeline. The media and the audience need to unite.
On wanting fair rights for Friday nights
We are here to repair the problem. We stand by all films and we want equality for all films. We want Fair Rights for Friday Nights. This is not a deadlock; it is a panel that is available for discussion to the multiplex owners over coffee 24 x 7 throughout the year.
We don’t think the multiplex is the mafia. We aren’t badmouthing the multiplex owners at all. This is a temporary problem in our family and at the end of it, we will all be united. No one is a leader here and we are followers of what the audience wants and what they dictate.
We are living because the audience tells us what they want. Unfortunately, we are not listening or succumbing to the demands of the multiplexes. We are employees of the audience. We need to understand that this is a partnership and the issue needs to be sorted out quickly so we go back to making good or bad films that get released for audiences to see and judge.
Ami notes: I love it that he said they're repairing the pipeline, and in another paragraph he specifically told us 'who' that pipeline is XD. In another article I read that he jotted his notes there and then and yet not a single pause was observed throughout his speech. This guy is a marvel when it comes to making public speeches or conducting/participating in interviews.
SRK: We want fans to see our films!
Filmmaker-actor Shah Rukh Khan shares his views on the multiplex owners versus producers and distributors standoff. Speaking at a press conference, Khan said he agreed with Aamir Khan and why he felt equality is the best solution to the problem.
FIRST of all, I would like to say that none of us, whether Aamir, Karan, Rakeshji (Rakesh Roshan), Ratanji (Ratan Jain), me or Yashji (Yash Chopra) or our seniors is the leader of this forum. We are here to share our collective thoughts for a clear perspective.
On calling for a gathering
We are not here to prevent our fans, supporters and well wishers from seeing films. We don’t want to do that at all. I speak very honestly for everyone here. We love films and making them. Our biggest wish is to die making films. The entire fraternity is here because we love to make films and show it to an audience. We are not here to stop showing the films to the audience. Filmmaking is what we do as we know how to do it. Films are being made as we speak.
The problem is, we know how to make films but we don’t know how to take it to the audience. That is why we have partners. There are distributors, theatres and the media for that. This partnership, bond, pipeline or marriage is now suffering. So we are here to repair the problem.
This is not a strike at all. It is a halt due to repairs that we are working towards and we apologise for this halt. This is not a strike and we need to repair the pipeline.
On why the profit sharing ratio must change
We are not doing for this greed or profits or for an extra one or two per cent. None of us are here for that. Some of us are very senior and legendary filmmakers. We are not here to loot anyone. The basic fight is for equality to create a platform for all sorts of films whether big or small, whether good or bad, whether made by an independent producer or by a studio. This fight is more for small films because somewhere along the line, they get left behind in negotiations. They don’t know anything about profit sharing so they just plead to the multiplexes to release the film. In the long run, the rightful path or our slogan, Fair Rights for Friday Nights, will benefit small films more than the big films.
On his take on the multiplexes
We are not here for a power show; (to show) that powerful people have come together on a platform. We will not use our ‘power’ to shake multiplexes. There is nothing like that at all. This is a marriage where we all are partners. The film federation has directors, producers, technicians, actors, studios, distributors, exhibitors and multiplexes as partners. We work together to show films to an audience. This is a show of coming together and of uniting.
A certain part of our family is not on the right path and we want to bring this issue to the forefront. We want a fair dialogue.
This is not a deadlock. We are not saying, “This is it. Take this or leave this. It is our way or the highway”. Not at all!
We have had discussions in good spirit with the multiplex owners for months, but we have not reached a final solution. That is why we have united to present our opinions and thoughts to them. We want to sit across with the multiplex and talk about getting fair rights for Friday nights for everyone.
I am saying this with a lot of humility. As Aamir rightly said, reasons such as bad films or bad content are cited for films not being played at multiplexes. I don’t think that is an issue multiplexes can discuss. No one tries to make a bad film. No matter how the film, it has the right to be seen by the audience that decides the verdict. By the second show on Friday, we know in very clear terms (whether) the film is good or not. I think all these little issues about creativity should be left to the creative people and the audience. The connecting pipeline should not have much say in it.
I would like to say that this issue is not confined to the studios, producers and distributors. It is going to impact everyone. For some time, we will see fewer films. Sadly, we are coming to a halt to repair the pipeline. The media and the audience need to unite.
On wanting fair rights for Friday nights
We are here to repair the problem. We stand by all films and we want equality for all films. We want Fair Rights for Friday Nights. This is not a deadlock; it is a panel that is available for discussion to the multiplex owners over coffee 24 x 7 throughout the year.
We don’t think the multiplex is the mafia. We aren’t badmouthing the multiplex owners at all. This is a temporary problem in our family and at the end of it, we will all be united. No one is a leader here and we are followers of what the audience wants and what they dictate.
We are living because the audience tells us what they want. Unfortunately, we are not listening or succumbing to the demands of the multiplexes. We are employees of the audience. We need to understand that this is a partnership and the issue needs to be sorted out quickly so we go back to making good or bad films that get released for audiences to see and judge.
Ami notes: I love it that he said they're repairing the pipeline, and in another paragraph he specifically told us 'who' that pipeline is XD. In another article I read that he jotted his notes there and then and yet not a single pause was observed throughout his speech. This guy is a marvel when it comes to making public speeches or conducting/participating in interviews.
Fair rights for Friday nights
I don't understand what's happening coz I don't understand the business of cinema. If I were the multiplex owner, I'd probably put forth the same proposal though... that I will pay 50:50 only if the film does well and if not, I will not share revenue equally. But that's coz I love money and I don't like to waste it on producers who sell me crap movies to show to my audience.
The producers who protest are heavyweights and they're giants in the industry for a reason, because they produce good or excellent films. If the demand is conceded by the multiplex owners, does it cover only the producers who were on the podium or the whole bleeding spectrum? If the latter, then I can certainly empathise with the owners' reluctance. I say, instead of all these emotional artistes arguing with equally emotional proprietors and not getting anywhere, both sides should start employing lawyers now to argue each other's case. Legal arguments are always good for creating loopholes later on XD
What strikes me as funny though is how the media swarmed around the two Khans and asked them about their 'rivalry'. Dudes... they'll always be rivals, and they'll always be friends. Some people are 'unpredictable' enough to loudly exclaim in public that they will never ever work with so and so for the rest of their lives, but these two are intelligent enough to refrain from ever reaching that level. So long as they're in the same business and as big as they are, they can't afford to ruffle each other's hair too much. It's the same situation if you are in an office relationship. I'd like to think I'm a good 'player' when it comes to office relationships, so I sorta get it.
I've given up trying to figure out why Aamir Khan was recently going around town deriding Shah Rukh to all and sundry after Ghajini became such a big success. If he had good reasons for it, then they're reasons I don't understand and don't want to waste time obsessing over. He's an excellent actor even though his acting style doesn't suit my wacky taste, so as a member of the audience... I'd like to just leave it at that. Anyway, my point after all the babbling? XD ...here are the headlines:
The producers who protest are heavyweights and they're giants in the industry for a reason, because they produce good or excellent films. If the demand is conceded by the multiplex owners, does it cover only the producers who were on the podium or the whole bleeding spectrum? If the latter, then I can certainly empathise with the owners' reluctance. I say, instead of all these emotional artistes arguing with equally emotional proprietors and not getting anywhere, both sides should start employing lawyers now to argue each other's case. Legal arguments are always good for creating loopholes later on XD
What strikes me as funny though is how the media swarmed around the two Khans and asked them about their 'rivalry'. Dudes... they'll always be rivals, and they'll always be friends. Some people are 'unpredictable' enough to loudly exclaim in public that they will never ever work with so and so for the rest of their lives, but these two are intelligent enough to refrain from ever reaching that level. So long as they're in the same business and as big as they are, they can't afford to ruffle each other's hair too much. It's the same situation if you are in an office relationship. I'd like to think I'm a good 'player' when it comes to office relationships, so I sorta get it.
I've given up trying to figure out why Aamir Khan was recently going around town deriding Shah Rukh to all and sundry after Ghajini became such a big success. If he had good reasons for it, then they're reasons I don't understand and don't want to waste time obsessing over. He's an excellent actor even though his acting style doesn't suit my wacky taste, so as a member of the audience... I'd like to just leave it at that. Anyway, my point after all the babbling? XD ...here are the headlines:
SRK-Aamir: Our name is Khan
Bollywood strike brings Aamir, Shah Rukh together
Actors root for producers’ demand
Bollywood producers call "cut" on multiplex releases
Multiplexes, here come the Khans
Khans get together to bat for equality in revenue-sharing
SRK, Aamir bat against multiplex row
Shah Rukh, Aamir share stage to bat for film distributors
Multiplexes row with producers continues
Bollywood's leading men unite in box office dispute
SRK, Aamir union results in media frenzy
Aamir, SRK join hands for 'Fair Rights for Friday Nights'
SRK-Aamir unite over multiplex issue
Aamir, SRK back together
The big SRK-Aamir patch up
Aamir, Shah Rukh join hands for a cause
Producers to outline course of action today
Standoff between Bollywood producers and multiplex owners
Aamir And Shah Rukh Khan Together In One Frame -(with Pictures)
Bollywood Strike Update: War and Peace
United front with wise-cracks
Fair Rights for Friday Night!
SRK, Aamir set aside spat over multiplex issue
Fight it, boys: Karan Johar
SRK, Aamir unite over multiplex strike
SRK, Aamir unite for 'equal rights for equal films'
Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan fight! (For a cause)
Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan Share Platform
Aamir and Shahrukh – united they stand!
Negotiation not an option: Aamir-SRK
Multiplex fight: King Khans add weight to producers lobby
Shah Rukh, Aamir Khan unite to end Multiplex Strike
Aamir, Shah Rukh side with producers
Shah Rukh-Aamir agree to ‘no more jibes’ contract
SRK, Aamir join hands for profit sharing
The SRK-Aamir ceasefire!
Aamir-SRK want a 50:50 partnership
....and what a huge list it is! You realise that most of them are concentrated on the Khan and the Khan instead of the issue at hand, right? Several things strike me at once:
- In the midst of controversy about the multiple-captaincy issue that, thanks to Gavaskarji, got aggravated to the point of being surreal now... Shah Rukh showed up on the podium alongside the rest of his producer colleagues for solidarity on this issue. It works on his favour though so it's time and effort well spent. Why?
- Him and Aamir with arms around each other fighting for a common cause after allegedly fighting with each other guaranteed this show some megawatt coverage
- If the multiplex owners give in, and I think they eventually will or quite a number of them will have to close shop, everyone will remember everyone who has contributed. And of course the two Khans contribute more than most (if the tabloids are to be believed, and a lot of idiots do... I'm telling ya) to get this fight the recognition it deserves
- Of course the 50:50 share is a good enough lure for any businessman who's worth his salt to come to the fore and fight for it. I think I'd like to grab the neck of any producer claiming that it's not an issue worth fighting for and throw the guy into a river full of crocodiles (my neighbourhood is near such a river so it's really convenient) coz he's SO not needed in the industry.
- The title of my post is such a catchy line that it must have come from Shah Rukh, the King of Quotable Quotes himself XD
- I shouldn't be annoyed at anything Aamir said against Shah Rukh in the future coz:
- They're rivals who are buddies who are rivals. And it's a good thing. Rivalry keeps hardworking people on their toes and that guarantees better quality products, which will only benefit us... the fans and members of the audience
- I'm Shah Rukh's fan, not Aamir's. Getting affected by a movie star I don't care to empathise with is a stupid thing. I know I'm stupid... but there're varying degrees to stupidity and I do hope I'm not way down there with all the dopes whose brainless comments I read often in some SRK-related blog/news articles.
- They're men. They're supposed to spout abuses at each other in public ...and get into fist fights and stuff, which they'd probably indulge in if they were to act in a movie together LOL. What do we women know about it? (coz we usually execute our battles quietly behind the other woman's back to avoid unnecessary confrontations)
- If the demand is conceded, will it affect the profit-sharing of multiplexes in other countries too? On second thought, why is this issue only argued in India (I googled it)? What about the multiplex owners-producers relationship elsewhere?
- If the demand is conceded and it is true that the owners can't bear the cost, what will happen to this system? Will it go bankrupt to give way to an evolutional phase of movie theaters, the way multiplex has caused theater companies to go bankrupt during it's early stage of development in the US? If so, can they experiment with the new theater form by installing that virtual movie-viewing experience I was promoting in my previous post, complete with an interactive personal remote for each person in his/her seat? Oh, and a 99.999% capable, noise-filtering headphone... please?
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