Salman's READY is all set to clash with Katrina Kaif's ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA at the box office. This recent development had shocked the industry as one had never expected this 'once in love' couple to be fighting it out commercially.
Says an industry observer, "One knew that READY was progressing well towards completion but there was never a hint thrown around its release plans. On the other hand the release date of ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA was announced weeks ago and it was always going to be 27th May. However, with Salman bringing his READY on the same date, it is nothing short of a major clash."
While ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA is touted to be a fun youthful film with a cast comprising of Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin, READY is a family entertainer where Asin is Salman's co-star.
"Thankfully both the films seem to be targeting different audience base, otherwise it must have been a calamity", says another insider, "Knowing the sensibility of Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA is expected to be more urban centric and would be targeting the multiplexes. On the other hand READY brings director Anees Bazmee and Salman together again after NO ENTRY and they would be looking at masses to be bringing in moolah."
Still, even though the target audience could be different for both films, one wonders if it was inevitable for Salman to clash with Katrina. After all in an industry where friends don't quite step over each other's feet when it comes to commerce, it is doubtful if Salman didn't have any issues whatsoever to bring his film on the same day