Jodhaa Akbar delayed? Contrary to the official announcement, Jodhaa Akbar may not release on January 25, 2008 as the post production work is far from complete
Sandipan Dalal Hrithik Roshan If sources are to be believed, the fate of Jodhaa Akbar featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai is in a state of limbo. The film is suffering further delays and will not release on January 25, 2008, as declared by the director Ashutosh Gowarikar and producer UTV Motion Pictures. This isnt the first time that the films release has been delayed after the filmmakers failed to meet their initial release date of October 12, 2007. In circles where it really matters, the buzz is that the film is far from ready. The editing is taking too long and the makers are apprehensive about the length of the film. A reliable source says, Ashutosh is having a hard time cutting the films length to three hours. He has too many scenes and shots to handle. Gowarikar, however, has been unable to supervise the editing and other post production work for a while because of ill-health. The filmmaker has been suffering from back problems and is forced to stay indoors. A source from Ashutosh Gowarikar Productions Pvt Ltd (AGPPL) says, Ashutosh has been unwell for a while and advised complete bed rest. We are yet to do the colour correction of the film. The background score is not complete either. Gowarikar, who takes keen interest in the music, could not make it to the recording studios recently. Even the music launch of the film has been postponed to January 2008, as the music rights of the film has changed hands from BIG music to UTVs newly launched record label. Previously, the actors Hrithik and Aishwarya had taken too much time to complete the dubbing. In fact, Gowarikar was so anxious that he even rushed to Hyderabad where Ash was shooting for other films and urged her to dub for the film at a local studio. A source says, Aishwarya was filming for Sarkar Raj and Pink Panther 2, which left her with barely any time to dub for Jodhaa Akbar. This prompted Ashutosh to head to Hyderabad where Ash was shooting for Sarkar Raj. Ashutosh Gowarikar UTV Motion Pictures had a high-profile meeting last week to determine the final release date. Apparently, they are considering February 15, but sources indicate that the films release may get postponed to March. When quizzed about it, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, COO of UTV says, I cannot comment on anything right now. Please wait for the official announcement. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan has cut short the ongoing treatment of his knee injury in Singapore, and come back to the city to promote the film. Hrithik is taking active interest in the promotion and publicity materials of the film. He has expressed a keen desire to be a part of all the meetings to decide on the publicity of the film with the director and producer. The actor is equally upset over the delay and is taking personal interest in the post production work as well. http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article§id=30&contentid=2007122420071224034333203d902da93
