Pravin Tarde's 'Deool Band 2' has emerged as a massive box office success in Marathi cinema. According to Sacnilk, the film has collected approximately Rs 81.78 crore. The movie features Snehal Tarde and Mohan Joshi in key roles. While the film is a huge hit, director Pravin Tarde has given significant credit to Shah Rukh Khan for waiving a bill of Rs 42-45 lakh, which reduced the film's budget and ultimately contributed to its success.
How Shah Rukh Khan Helped
Tarde revealed that the makers approached Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, for a Digital Cinema Package (DCP), which is essential for screening films in theaters. Initially, they had budgeted around Rs 12 lakh for the process, but were shocked to learn the actual cost was close to Rs 42 lakh.
Recalling the situation, Tarde said in a conversation with Abhijat Marathi Filmy, “The bill came to Rs 42 lakh. We didn’t have that kind of money, nor did we have any source from where we could arrange it. We approached Red Chillies and explained our situation. We told them that it was a Marathi film, a regional film, and our budget was limited. But we wanted to release it on a large scale and requested their support.”
Shah Rukh's Personal Interest
The matter eventually reached Shah Rukh Khan, who reportedly took a personal interest. Tarde explained that the superstar first checked with his technical team, who informed him that the film was from the makers of 'Mulshi Pattern'. Since 'Mulshi Pattern' had later been remade into Salman Khan's 'Antim', Shah Rukh was already familiar with their work.
“He asked his technical team about the matter. They told him it was a film by the makers of Mulshi Pattern. Since Mulshi Pattern was later remade as Antim by Salman Khan, Shah Rukh was aware of our work. He then enquired about Deool Band 2. His team told him it was a well-made emotional film and that the makers wanted the DCP but couldn’t afford the cost. The DCP was ready, but it hadn’t been handed over because the dues were pending,” Tarde shared.
Waiving the Bill
According to the filmmaker, Shah Rukh's response was simple and immediate. “He simply said, ‘Waive off their bill.’ He told them, ‘It’s a Marathi film. Give them the DCP. We can sort out the payments later. If it’s a good film, give them the DCP.’ They showed tremendous respect towards Marathi cinema. For him, the film was more important than the money. I credit all these people for the success of the film.”
Impact on the Film's Success
Tarde said the gesture left a lasting impact on him because the help came at a time when nobody knew whether the film would succeed or fail. “Today, the film is heading towards the Rs 100-crore club and everyone is appreciating it. But what Shah Rukh Khan did when the film was nothing, when nobody knew whether it would work or not, will always be remembered. He helped us without any guarantee of success. I will forever be grateful to him,” he said.
The filmmaker also expressed his desire to personally screen the film for Shah Rukh Khan as a token of gratitude.
