Sallu, Hrithik to clash on screen

After verbal war Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan's next releases to clash on the big screen

The verbal duel between Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan post the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish now heads for another round at the box-office.

Hrithik's next is Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara that releases on May 27. Salman-starrer Ready, directed by Anees Bazmee, will also release on the same date!

Sore point

Both stars had indulged in verbal volleys after the release of Guzaarish. While a tabloid reported that Khan made some remarks about Bhansali's project at a charity event, Hrithik took recourse of the same tabloid to say his bit (see box).

Khan then set the record straight on his show Bigg Boss 4. Says a source, "Salman was taken aback by Hrithik's comments. Especially because Khan has always been supportive of Roshan Jr since his debut film."

Sallu unswayed

When Ready's release date was being discussed, Sallu told producer Bhushan Kumar to finalise May 27.

Adds the source, "When someone pointed out to him that Hrithik's movie was also out on the same date and how the star was looking forward to it after Kites and Guzaarish's poor showing, Salman was unswayed. He'd decided on Ready's release for May 27 and didn't want to change it."

Good date

Confirms Bhushan Kumar, "Yes, we have finalised May 27 as Ready's release date. Even though we have a schedule still left, we have set ourselves a target to complete the project."

He denies being influenced by his actor, "It was a decision mutually taken. There will be no big releases before that date for months due to the cricket World Cup and Indian Premier League matches. So we thought it was a good date.

Moreover, as Salman's other project Bodyguard is set for an Eid (August-end) release he was keen to space out his films."

Bhushan concludes with, "I am sure there is space for everyone on that date."

Kya hua tha

Salman Khan had stated at a charity event that nobody likes to see issue-based films as the masses want to be entertained.

He was referring to his own film Phir Milenge with Shilpa Shetty that took on the subject of AIDS and had bombed at the box-office. His remarks weren't taken in the right vein by Bhansali and Hrithik who assumed it was a dig at their film Guzaarish.

SLB maintained, "If such an old and trusted friend can be so insensitive then I have nothing more in entertainment industry."

Hrithik in an interview stated, "It's not heroic to laugh or make fun of a filmmaker just because his box office collections are not up there with yours. Guzaarish is a super success in its own way.

And I will be upset if anyone talks like this about Mr Bhansali. In my opinion, a hero never gloats. When you are super successful, it should, in fact, make you gracious and more loving."