In round one between Shah Rukh Khan and Ekta Kapoor, the star seems to have won the first bout. But the producer appears to be gearing up for round two. Insiders say she wants her upcoming film Milan Talkies to clash with SRK's Happy New Year at the box office on Diwali 2014.
Though Ekta's film is yet to go on the floors, the producer allegedly has asked her team to wrap up pre-production work as fast as possible to begin shooting. Says a source, `Ekta recently replaced Imran Khan with Shahid Kapoor for her film while the hunt for the female lead opposite him is still on.
She has also requested director Tigmanshu Dhulia to complete the shoot in time so that she gets enough time for marketing the film.`
This year too, Ekta (with Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara) was set to clash with Shah Rukh (Chennai Express) until the star requested her dad, veteran actor Jeetendra to alter the film's release date.
The producer apparently was extremely upset after her film failed to work wonders at the BO. So much so that she even pinned the blame for her film's failure on Shah Rukh.
The source adds, `If Ekta decides to release her film next year on Diwali, it could prove to be a tough situation for SRK.` Farah's film too has been delayed as much time was spent looking for the right cast.
Happy New Year went on the floors yesterday. However, Ekta's spokesperson rubbishes the buzz. She says, `The casting is yet to happen.` Tigmanshu remained unavailable for comment.