An interesting phenomenon has emerged as far as the promotion of Jai Ho is concerned. It is Salman Khan more than anything else who is finding himself under the spotlight with the film being allowed to speak for itself.
"Ever since the time when the film went on floors, the whole focus has been on Salman. Now even as the film is being readied for release, what one hears on practically daily basis is about the life and times of Salman. In fact even when the only other person from the film, Daisy Shah, is heard, all that is spoken about are matters and anecdotes related to Salman," comments an observer.
No wonder, more than just the core of what Jai Ho stands for, one is practically fed with daily itinerary about Salman. Hence, right from him visiting Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to watching Sholay to meeting his nurse to being friendly with his ex-girlfriends to what his father thinks about him, the core of Jai Ho campaign has been totally Salman Khan.
"In a way this is fine too," says a fellow filmmaker, "When you have five back to back super hits and blockbusters behind you, the winning formula should continue to be adopted. It isn't as if you are changing paths by doing a radically different kind of film in Jai Ho. No one would like to touch what is already working. If Salman is selling, let him be on the most visible top shelf."
No wonder, while Sohail Khan has almost taken a back seat away from the limelight, those at Eros are ecstatic that the film is delivering even more than what was being promised to a Salman Khan fan to begin with.
"Woh isliye kyonki ab Salman ki picture hai toh obviously there is going to be a lot of Salman for the audience," says a senior official, "However, even otherwise the film is a complete package entertainer. Those who have had a dekko at the screening have come back with such positive response because other than some quintessential 'masala' packaging, there is good messaging too that would work with the viewers. However, woh sab tab tab zyaada asardaar hoga when first audience has been excited well enough to watch Salman Khan on screen. It makes sense to plaster him over and design promos that highlight his stature."
The planned campaign has ensured that the film has heated up at just the right time. While the film is being released at a record screen count in India, even in overseas it is going to be Salman's biggest release ever. While unconfirmed reports indicate that a 5000 screen count is presumably on the way globally, rest assured there are some massive footfalls on the way for the Salman Khan starrer on its release this Friday.
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