It is well documented how the makers of Raees (2017) resorted to unconventional marketing by releasing a song after the film had released. Three weeks after its release, the makers have now unveiled the making of the film.
The film has bagged over Rs100 crore, but it has largely evoked mixed reviews. The disappointing aspect of most Hindi film behind-the-scene videos is that these often smack of celebrations and worship of the superstar protagonist.
In the Raees making video, director Rahul Dholakia, crew and fellow actors such as Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Zeeshan Ayub share their experience of working with the super star.
Costume designer Sheetal Sharma liked Shah Rukh's masculine persona and even marvelled at the way the actor takes off his spectacles.
Director Dholakia says, "He’s a natural (actor). He played the part very well and that motivated the crowd. And that is what was needed."
The comments by Siddiqui and Mahira would have been more relevant before the release. The touch of vanity in the video is hard to ignore.
The only striking thing about the video is the energetic attitude of Shah Rukh which rubs on to everyone on the sets. From mingling with the entire crew to playing cricket and carrom with them, Shah Rukh has always displayed a childlike exuberance. That hasn't changed even at 51.
Watch this Raees making video purely for Shah Rukh's infectious energy.