Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are set to announce today a mega-deal with Fox which will see them release My Name is Khan beyond the normal network of Bollywood-based cinemas in the west. It is estimated that the deal is worth 100cr. “After Slumdog Millionaire, this will be the second biggest Bollywood film, that has been being distributed by Fox,” says Karan, “This is the first time such a deal has been inked, where the film will release beyond the mainstream diaspora and that is exciting.”
The film focuses on an American Muslim family – there are an estimated 7m Muslims in the US – and the effects on them post- 9/11. The film also stars Kajol in her most important role in years. Karan Johar considers the film his most important yet and is strongly relevant in view of the Mumbai bombings last year. “I think it’s an exceptionally relevant time, as the unity of our nation is of paramount importance. We are all coming together to fight for a common cause – called humanity. Everyone knows that terrorism has no religion and it will never have a religion. As a filmmaker, I believe that I have a social responsibility and I promise to fulfill that.”
It now seems likely that the film’s release will be delayed a few months into next year as there is still some finishing work to be done but SRK is currently busy in pre-production for his own superhero movie Ra.One.
