Pre-release film promos should be capped even in the Hindi film industry like its peers in south India, said Kumar Mangat Pathak, producer of the upcoming film Aakrosh. While speaking at the 5th edition of Screen Preview at Express Towers, Ajay Devgan, one of the lead actors of the film, said that before the release, films should be publicised only as much as required because beyond a point, publicity does not help in the success of the film.
Devgan, while answering a volley of questions from journalists said, ?Publicity helps only till a certain point. For instance, the film, Once Upon a time in Mumbaai was decently promoted with not much hyped before its release.?
Pathak added that in the south region, a producer cannot demand for more airplay than what he gets. This restriction is not just for television, but also print media too. A producer can only issue quarter-page ads in newspapers on five occasions ? a ?coming soon? ad, a day before release, on the day of release, on the 50th day and on the 100th day. If the producer advertises more than that, he will be served a notice by the council and asked to explain on why the rules were violated. ?Similar rules should exist in Mumbai,? he contended.
Meanwhile, Devgan described Aakrosh as an action drama. ??The film is basically an action film and every action film has a story. This film?s story is about honour killings and it gives it an effective and real look. Two heroes try to solve a problem. Through the film, we are not giving any solution, but it is a very hard-hitting film. ? Devgan has had three releases this year ? Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, Raajneeti and Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai. All three set the cash registers ringing.
In his 20 years career in the Hindi film industry, Devgan said that he has tried all genres of acting because he does not believe in limiting himself as an actor. Trying different genres like comedy, action and serious roles etc, gives him a fresh feel each time.
Akshaye Khanna, another actor of the film who was also present on the occasion added, ?Despite being commercially entertaining, the film has a social message to give.?
Revealing his future plans, he further said that after Aakrosh, which is a multistarrer, Akshaye is part of another ensemble team in Anees Bazmee?s No Problem, and then has a cameo in Farah Khan?s Tees Maar Khan.