KKD -World Cup – Biwi No. 1: History repeats itself after a decade

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

June 3, 2009 - 5:48 PM IST

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Exactly 10 years after the release of Biwi No. 1, history is repeating itself with Kal Kissne Dekha being confirmed for 12th June release. Call it sheer coincidence but there are three common factors between these two films:

KKD -World Cup – Biwi No. 1: History repeats itself after a decade

a) Both are produced by Vashu Bhagnani,

b) Both are releasing by the end of summer (Biwi No. 1 had arrived on 28th May, 1999),

c) Both are arriving in the middle of Cricket World Cup (For Biwi No. 1, it was one day internationals, for Kal Kissne Dekha, it is 20:20 cricket).

"Make it four common factors", corrects Vashu Bhagnani who has now applied fifth gear for the promotion of his son's launch pad, "For the release of Biwi No. 1, I was discouraged to bring it on theaters when cricket was at its peak. Same is the case with Kal Kissne Dekha too where people are surprised that I am releasing the film when ICC 20:20 is catching up heat. I went by my instincts then; I am going by my instincts now."

But why the risk? Since he has anyways waited for last few weeks, would a couple of weeks more make a difference? Why bring the film when audience may prefer watching cricket?

"Clichéd as it may sound, but movies and cricket have always been a religion in India", smiles Vashu, "Audiences have seen non-stop cricket for last two months but have missed out on movies during the period gone by. I know for sure that many out there are dying to watch a quality film once the strike breaks and what better way to celebrate movies making a comeback than do so with Kal Kissne Dekha. Of course, there is cricket but movies will always stay on, especially so when it's a quality product in the offering."

Going down the memory lane, Vashu gets nostalgic here, "I remember how the entire world was against me when I had decided to bring on Biwi No. 1 in the middle of the Cricket World Cup. In spite of huge names like Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Tabu and David Dhawan, my well wishers suggested me to hold on to my film's release."

Talking about his confidence, when it comes to pitching a film rightly in the market, Vashu says, "I knew even then that in spite of cricket being available on TV, the big screen will never lose its charm if a film which releases there has been promoted and marketed well. That's what I have ensured for Kal Kissne Dekha as well. I have gone out and placed Jackky in front of the audience to be tested. Now all that is required is for people to see for themselves what he and Vaishali Desai have to offer to them."

Going by the adage of Kal Kissne Dekha being true to his own real life story, Vashu goes on to conclude in a bemused tone, "In 1999, when I released Biwi No. 1, I would never have dreamt that exactly 10 years later there would be another World Cup and I would be launching my own son amidst all the brouhaha that we all have been witness to during last couple of months. It only makes me further say that 'aakhir kal kisne dekha'! Really, you can't even imagine that such things can be planned; they just happen.