There have been reports about the Narendra Modi government’s demonetisation scheme affecting small businesses across the country. The cash crunch caused by the replacement of high-value notes has also been felt by single-screen theatres in non-urban parts of the country. So, naturally, this has had a negative impact on collections of films released in the past few weeks.
With a lot riding on Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, the question comes naturally as to whether demonetization will affect the film’s collections. SRK, as the star is popularly known, does not believe so. At the trailer launch of the film, he said he was sure things will get better in the days to come.
“I think things will generally get better, as the execution of the scheme takes place, as it would have taken some time and it should, because it wouldn’t have happened overnight. I think just initially maybe, there must have been choices made by people that entertainment can take a back seat or certain luxuries would take a back seat when there is a cash crunch, to the ones that felt it, even people who attend single screens,” he said.
The Fan (2016) actor also hinted that he has faith in the government. “I think as we have been assured and as things are happening now, it is seeming to ease off. And yes, in January or even in another few days from now is a better time period.”
Khan also cited the example of his recently released Dear Zindagi, which went on to do well at the box office despite demonetization. He said, “We did notice that with Dear Zindagi also. I was made to understand by distributors that there is a difference in terms of positivity to come and spend money for entertainment.”
Raees will be released next year on 25 January. The release date was advanced by a day today.