Aamir Khan Amplified Secret Superstar's Success, Says Director Advait Chandan

NEW DELHI:
HIGHLIGHTS

"No production house was ready to support the film," said the director
"The way Aamir Khan Productions has supported the film..." he added
"Only AK can do that," said Advait Chandan
Secret Superstarhas made over Rs. 30 box office crores in four days - an experience that has been described by director Advait Chandan as a "dream." Mr Chandan, who has assisted 52-year-old superstar Aamir Khan in films like Taare Zameen Par and Dhobi Ghat as part of Aamir Khan Productions, said that not just Aamir's star-power as an actor but his association as a producer of the film has contributed majorly to the movie's success. "...it is not just about his acting in the film, but the whole project... Aamir's presence amplified the film Secret Superstar," Mr Chandan told news agency IANS. Secret Superstar casts Dangal girl Zaira Wasim as the protagonist.

Without Aamir Khan's production firm, Secret Superstar wouldn't have made it to the theatres, said the director, because: "No production house was ready to support the film." Mr Chandan added: "The way Aamir Khan Productions has supported the film with all resources and mounted the project, is great. Only AK can do that."

Advait Chandan was himself present at the theatres to witness the audiences' reaction and this is what he has to say about his experience: "I went to a theatre full of people and they clapped and laughed and were moved by the film. It gave me goosebumps... This has been such a dream response. I keep pinching myself to check if it's real." Talking about the film's success, Zaira Wasim, whose second movie with Aamir it is, said: "I am happy that people love the film. It is our film, we all put our effort to make it the best film."

Advait Chandan revealed that Aamir had to be "convinced" to play the very hatke Shakti Kumaarr - a Bollywood producer in the movie. "I wrote the part of Shakti Kumaarr and I convinced him to play the part, so I take full credit of his casting. In the beginning, he was hesitant, but then he also started enjoying the character," IANS quoted him as saying.

Secret Superstar opened to theatres on Diwali and was joined by Rohit Shetty-directed Golmaal Again the following day.

(With IANS inputs)