The journey of Shahrukh Khan’s film ‘Ra.One’ serves as a fascinating tale in Bollywood, highlighting not just the film’s ambitious narrative but also the hurdles faced by one of the industry’s most celebrated actors. Despite its initial setbacks at the box office, ‘Ra.One’ has evolved into a cult classic, often lauded for its innovative storytelling and visual effects that were well ahead of its time. Recently, director Anubhav Sinha shed light on the behind-the-scenes emotions and perceptions during the film’s release and discussed how the industry reacted to Shahrukh’s journey during that period.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Ra.One’
During a revealing conversation on ‘The Lallantop’ show, Anubhav Sinha shared insights about the movie’s premiere journey. He described the experience of flying to Los Angeles, although he clarified that it was Dubai where the initial celebration took place. “Shahrukh Khan had such a charisma that from here to Dubai, the premiere was set. After the premiere, we had a small party and then headed straight to the airport,” he noted.
The Journey from Dubai to Global Premieres
Sinha detailed the whirlwind tour that followed, stating, “From Dubai, we flew to London, then to Toronto, and finally to Los Angeles for the premieres. I decided to stay back in Los Angeles while Shahrukh returned home.” This hectic schedule was not only exhaustive but filled with intense scrutiny as the film began to face criticism.
Box Office Reality Check
Reflecting on the box office performance, Sinha recounted, “By the second week of release, it became clear that the film wasn’t performing as expected. I contemplated staying an extra day in London to meet Kishore Lulla and discuss the troubling feedback.” His acknowledgment of the film’s shortcomings revealed a chain of self-reflection and concern for its reception.
Industry Perception of Shah Rukh Khan
Anubhav Sinha went further to express the dichotomy within the industry regarding Shahrukh Khan’s career. “While many appreciated ‘Ra.One’, a notable faction within the industry secretly hoped to see Shahrukh falter,” he asserted. This sentiment, he insists, stemmed from a deeper competitive culture prevalent in Bollywood. Despite this, Sinha reiterated that his experiences in the industry give him unique insight into these dynamics.
Conclusion: The Legacy of ‘Ra.One’
Ultimately, ‘Ra.One’ has transcended its initial challenges to become a significant part of Bollywood folklore, illustrating the evolving nature of audience perceptions and the intricate relationships within the film industry. As Sinha underscored, the mixed responses to the film reflect broader trends in cinematic innovations and storytelling techniques that artists like Shahrukh Khan continue to explore.