Bhatts take on Akki
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 22, 2014)

Just when Akshay Kumar thought that his upcoming film Baby would have a clear run during the Republic Day weekend with Anees Bazmee's Welcome Back being pushed forward to March, the Bhatts have entered the picture with an erotic horror flick.

The Ali Fazal-Sapna Pabbi starrer, Khamoshiyan, being helmed by debutant director Karan Darra, will arrive on the same Friday as the Neeraj Pandey directed espionage thriller.

Explaining what prompted the decision, Mahesh Bhatt says: "It's a good weekend for Khamoshiyan which is one the finest musicals from our banner. Songs are a great draw at the box-office and I'm sure we will be able to pull crowds."

So, should Akshay Kumar feel threatened? Insisting that the evolved Indian audience will enjoy a choice of two films vastly different from each other, Bhatt retorts, "I don't think there is need for anyone to feel threatened. I've seen Neeraj's A Wednesday. He's a good filmmaker and Akshay is a star with a huge fan following. And we have a combination of erotica, supernatural and great music, both of us will survive."

At least three filmmakers had announced that they would come on Diwali but eventually they all bowed out, leaving Shah Rukh Khan with a clear field for his Happy New Year. Is there a chance of them succumbing to pressure from the exhibitors and changing their release date? "No, such a situation won't arise," Bhatt asserts. "Like I said, I believe that both the films will get adequate screens and viewers."