Disappointing weekend for Pak SRK fans

ISLAMABAD: While Indian fans of Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) got a weekend treat with the release of the Bollywood star’s latest offering Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (RNBDJ), his Pakistani fans were left disappointed.

The movie, which was to be released simultaneously in India and Pakistan, failed to make it to theatres here. The reason is not the tension between the two countries after the Mumbai terror attack but lack of funds to obtain screening rights.  

Usually, the rights to screen an Indian movie in Pakistan cost Rs7 million, but RNBDJ was priced at a whopping Rs60 million, which is too high for any Pakistani distributor.

The price was later slashed to Rs20 million, but exhibitors kept away. Pakistan Cinema Management Association chairman Qaiser Sanaullah Khan said Indian movies usually did very well at the box-office in Pakistan.

Singh is King, Race, Jannat all did brisk business here, he said. “SRK is a big star with great market value, but no exhibitor is willing to take the risk to obtain rights to the movie at such a high cost.”

Qaiser said this was unfortunate, as only 12-15 Indian movies were being allowed a release in Pakistan every year. Currently, Indian movies are being screened in three main cinemas of Lahore, Plaza, DHA, and Sozo World.