/> Producers Ashtvinayak in all their wisdom have decided to shift the focus of the publicity for Kidnap from the tried-and-tested superstar Sanjay Dutt to the one-film-wonder Imran Khan.

Dutt has taken off for an African safari with his buddies. But those close to him are extremely unhappy with this volte-face in the publicity pitch.

Dharam Oberoi the CEO of Sanjay Dutt Films says, "We have noticed this growing disparity in the space being allotted to Sanjay Dutt and Imran in hoardings and other publicity. The film's director Sanjay Gadhvi would be the best person to answer why this is so."

Gadhvi in Kolkata for the promotion of the film is surprisingly candid on the issue. "It's called marketing strategy. I'm zero at it. Even when I was at Yashraj I never bothered with how Dhoom and Dhoom 2 were marketed. I guess the producers of Kidnap know what they're doing."

Gadhvi has noticed the tilt in the publicity balance. "At first I'd say the ratio of space allotted to Sanjay Dutt and Imran was 50: 50. Now as the release approached it tilted somewhat towards Imran. I'd say at the moment it's 60: 40 in favour of Imran. I guess he's seen as the wonder-boy from Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Na. And the film business worships the rising sun."

Does Gadhvi approve of this tilt in the publicity away from the actor whom the director has repeatedly referred to as the true hero of Kidnap?

At first Gadhvi is noncommittal. Minutes later he then changes his mind. "Sometimes it is important for an individual to look beyond the immediate benefits. So I'd like to say, this tilt towards projecting Imran is wrong.

If I had a say I'd never do it. Sanjay Dutt is not only the actor who made this project possible, he's a dear friend. In fact he wanted me to come to the safari with him. But here I am in Kolkata, promoting my film. Such is life."