Shah Rukh Khan's much-publicized film Asoka, The Great suffered a blow with Sony suddenly deciding to back out from the overseas distribution of the period magnum opus.Grapevine has it that there may not have been a written agreement to the effect, but Sony had committed itself to releasing the period drama. The fact that Sony developed cold feet has sent shock waves down the industry spine.

There are reports that SRK would seek the aid of Yash Chopra or Boney Kapoor to assume his film's overseas distribution. Earlier, Sony withdrew from the overseas rights of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Refusing to cough up 42 crores, they left Karan Johar high-n-dry, who consequently approached uncle Yash Chopra to release the film.