Kamal Haasan Recalls Financial Turmoil After Hey Ram's Failure
In a candid recent interview, veteran actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan revisited the legacy of his 2000 film Hey Ram, describing it as one of his most unusual collaborations with superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Haasan spoke extensively about the film's challenging journey, its impact on his finances, and the ongoing discussions surrounding Khan's involvement.
The Unconventional Film That Left Audiences Perplexed
Reflecting on the film's reception, Kamal Haasan humorously noted, "It was so edge-of-the-seat that audiences slipped out of their seats and out of the theatres." He revealed that even during production, many questioned his ambitious vision. "People asked me what the hell I was doing. Such expenses for what? I said it was a promise I made to myself. Like a spouse and a house," Haasan explained, emphasizing his personal commitment to the project despite skepticism.
Financial Fallout and Producer Pressure
The aftermath of Hey Ram's box office performance was severe for Haasan. "I was in financial soup," he admitted, acknowledging that the film could have succeeded but unfortunately took the "unsuccessful way, which wasn't very convenient financially." He disclosed that one producer compelled him to reduce his remuneration at the last minute, adding to the financial strain.
Despite these setbacks, Haasan maintained his transparency about financial matters. "As an actor, I've no complaints. I'm one of the highest-paid actors in the country. Thanks to my brother, Chandra Haasan, who looks into my tax matters, I have zero tax arrears," he stated. This financial discipline, he noted, allows him peace of mind. "That leaves me with no surplus funds for Swiss bank accounts at all. But I sleep very peacefully at night. When I hear the thud of boots down my corridor, I don't cringe in fear. You can call it virtuous stupidity. But it's a comfortable life," Haasan reflected.
Addressing Criticism Over Shah Rukh Khan's Role
Kamal Haasan also addressed criticism that he may have been "self-indulgent" during the film's making. He pointed to promotional strategies in Mumbai that potentially misled audiences. "That's because the publicity in Mumbai made them feel there was much more of Shah Rukh Khan in the film," he explained. Shah Rukh Khan played a small but pivotal role in Hey Ram, and Haasan suggested that mismatched expectations around his screen time contributed to audience disappointment.
This discussion comes amid broader industry comparisons, such as recent comments from Lilliput criticizing Shah Rukh Khan's role in Zero, stating it was "not even equal to Kamal Haasan's dust." Haasan's reflections highlight the complex dynamics of star collaborations and audience expectations in Bollywood.
Legacy and Lessons from Hey Ram
Despite its commercial failure, Hey Ram remains a significant film in Indian cinema for its bold narrative and historical context. Kamal Haasan's openness about the financial and creative challenges underscores the risks involved in ambitious filmmaking. His commitment to artistic integrity, even at personal cost, continues to inspire discussions about the balance between commercial success and creative vision in the entertainment industry.
