Some producers look for the safest possible release date. This former studio executive seems to do the exact opposite.
After spending more than two decades working with major studios, he has now started his own production banner. But for his first independent production, he has once again picked a crowded release date and is heading straight into a major box-office clash.
That makes his journey quite interesting.
He has worked with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. He knows the business well. Release dates, theatre allocation, distribution and pre-release deals are nothing new to him.
Still, his independent journey has already seen delays, announcements with little production progress and now another risky release decision.
This is not his first clash either.
During his final corporate stint, he was involved in a major release that clashed with a much bigger war-based spectacle. The clash became a major talking point, with the superstar-led film failing to win the box-office battle.
Later, his new production banner entered the market with another festival release and again went up against a much bigger film.
Now, the same aggressive approach continues.
His maiden production, reportedly a remake of a successful Malayalam film, is set to release alongside a popular franchise thriller. That film already has a strong fan base, bigger scale and nationwide recognition.
For a new banner that has struggled to generate strong pre-release buzz, this is a dangerous situation.
The trade talk around the film is also not very positive. Reports suggest that securing major pre-release deals has been difficult. The music rights were reportedly sold for just around Rs. 60 lakhs.
There is also industry talk that the actor originally attached to the project, who later won a legal battle against the producer, has been joking about the film at private gatherings.
Despite all this, the producer continues to show strong confidence.
Maybe that confidence will prove right.
But for now, his first independent production is facing a brutal box-office test. He clearly knows how the corporate game works.
Now, the box office will show whether that experience works outside the boardroom.
