Was Saif Ali Khan’s Assault A Publicity Stunt For Agent Vinod?

- February 27, 2012 | 11:16 AM IST

Koimoi.com Editor Komal Nahta answers your Bollywood queries. To ask a question, follow Komal on Twitter or comment below.

Was Saif Ali Khan’s alleged assault on two NRIs a publicity stunt for his due-for-release Agent Vinod?
Komal Nahta: Nobody takes law into his hands to promote a film. The way the media presents such stories, it makes it appear as if every single action of a star at the time of release of his film is aimed at promoting his film. That’s quite a ridiculous presumption!

Will Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’souza’s recent marriage harm or help the box-office prospects of Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya released this week?
Komal Nahta: The marriage may not have any impact on the box-office prospects of their film Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya. If it does have some impact, it will be positive, not negative.

Will the half-hearted industry bandh of 23rd February serve any purpose, especially in view of the fact that it was not total?
Komal Nahta: Not really! Only a total bandh would’ve given the government a feeling of unity in the film industry. And unity is a must to force the government to give relief. Still, let us keep our fingers crossed and hope that the government does not levy sales tax on film transactions.

Should admission rates be reduced for films with lesser known stars?

Komal Nahta: Since every producer can’t afford top stars, a lot of films are made with smaller actors. Some of these films are good but they don’t take a good start because of the absence of star names in their cast. And if they don’t get the time to grow thereafter, their box-office fate is sealed. Producers need to think of ways to ensure that good films don’t fail. Maybe, they can begin by reducing admission rates for such films.

Komal Nahta, the Editor of Koimoi.com, is Bollywood’s most trusted trade analyst & film reviewer. You can follow him on Twitter and check out his Video Blog.