'Dilwale’ vs ‘Bajirao Mastani’s battle at box office begins on Friday

‘Bajirao Mastani’ vs ‘Dilwale’ at box office: SRK, Bhansali’s face-off again after eight years

Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's eight year old box office battle continues with their upcoming movie 'Dilwale' and 'Bajirao Mastani'.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has ruled many a hearts with his romantic movies, will soon have a face off with ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Their films ‘Dilwale’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’ are set to release on the same day.

Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s seven year old box office battle continues.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has ruled many a hearts with his romantic movies, will soon have a face off with ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The duo once created a stir in the Indian cinema history by releasing their larger than life films ‘Saawariya’ and ‘Om Shanti Om’ together eight years back on November 9, 2007.

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have re-united for Rohit Shetty ‘Dilwale’ to give a tough fight to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama ‘Bajirao Mastani’ starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

SRK – Bhansali clash goes long back to their Diwali releases in 2007. While SRK launched Deepika Padukone in the Farah Khan directed film ‘Om Shanti Om’, Bhansali also gave Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor a grand platform for their debuts. Unfortunately, it was a setback for Bhansali’s film as it was swept away by SRK – Deepika’s onscreen chemistry.

SRK has always been particular about opening his movies at maximum screens – multiplexes or single screens. Even in the case of ‘Om Shanti Om’ which had guest appearance by as many as 30 guest stars in the song ‘Deewangi’, SRK booked 878 cinema halls in 200 prints worldwide.

Eight years back it was Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan together who were pitted against Deepika’s ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor and ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ actress Sonam Kapoor. Call it destiny, but this time again SRK and Deepika are in a similar face off, but against each other. It’s Deepika’s rumoured boyfriend Ranveer Singh by her side this time. The hit jodi of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is making a comeback onscreen after a gap of five years. They were last seen in Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’ in 2010. On the contrary, Deepika and Ranveer appeared together in the hit film ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela – Ram Leela’ in 2013.

Filmmakers have been keen on booking a festival slot every year. ‘Diwali’ proved to be Shah Rukh Khan’s lucky festival in 2007, and we await the result of Christmas this year. A period drama and a romantic action film pitted against each other with A-listed cast from the industry, we are yet to see who stands a chance to impress the audience. In the case of ‘Om Shanti Om’ vs ‘Saawariya’ it was an established actor with a new comer against two young and fresh faces, whereas the competition has become tough this time with all actors having their own cult of followers. ‘Dilwale’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’s battle begins on Friday (December 18).