'My Name Is Khan' distributors undeterred by '3 Idiots' success

"We've always been hugely excited about 'My Name Is Khan' and we remain excited. It is fair to say that '3 Idiots' has had great success but as far as 'My Name...' is concerned, we believe that it's a film to cut across all demographics," Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star, said on phone from Mumbai.

"It has a wide appeal. It also has a very strong talent base which is coming together after eight years. It's a very powerful, emotionally engaging film," he added.

Directed by Karan Johar, "My Name is Khan" features Shah Rukh as an unconventional hero Rizvan Khan, who embarks on a journey across America to win back the love of his life, played by Kajol. It shows how, along the way, his personality touches the lives of many and inspires a nation.

The film marks the coming together of Johar, Shah Rukh and Kajol after nine years after their last outing "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham" (2001). 

The movie has also been in news for Fox Star's acquisition of its global rights reportedly for $20 million. The movie will be marketed and distributed by Fox Star in India, in the US by its sister company Fox Searchlight and in the rest of the world by parent group 20th Century Fox International.

Throwing more light on "My Name...", Singh said: "'My Name Is Khan' is an amazing love story which has a very epic sweep to it. And of course it's got an amazing cast and crew.
"We are hugely excited and we are going to have a worldwide release on Feb 12. It will be the widest Bollywood release ever out of India."

Asked about the number of the prints, Singh said: Asked about the number of the prints, Singh said: "It's too early (for figures) as the release is in February. But rest assured given the working progress, it will be the widest release across the widest number of countries and prints."

The movie will open in theatres in India and over 40 countries including the US, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East, according to Johar' Dharma Productions.

Asked about the budget of the venture, Singh promptly replied: "No. We don't go down there... We don't give our numbers."

He also refused to divulge details on the marketing strategies for the movie saying, "it's probably too early on giving out some of the information."
The movie is coming a few days before Valentine's Day. Asked why, Singh said: "The very fact that Shah Rukh and Kajol are almost like the jodi of the decade. They represent the best of love pairs in Bollywood.

"So here's a love story set against such a big canvas which is coming out very appropriately timed for Valentine's. It's almost like how far will you go for your love."