Reasons why delaying Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees' is a good decision

Shah Rukh Khan's "Raees," which was scheduled to open in theatres on Eid, has now been reportedly delayed. The film releasing next year could have many benefits, say trade experts.

Calling the move a "gracious gesture," Akshay Rathi told BollywoodLife that rescheduling the release date will only benefit the film. However, he feels Eid is a good time to put out both the films considering the stars — Shah Rukh and Salman Khan — play Muslim characters.

"The kind of action that there is in Raees, it would have been a phenomenal date for the film had they decided to not move," he further elaborated adding that the "cinema infrastructure" in the country is not enough to accommodate two big films; they'll eat into each other's businesses.

"In ideal case scenario for optimum business it is good that both come on different national holidays. But honestly, even if both the film come together, they will do what they deserve to do," he pointed out.

Trade analyst Amul Mohan feels the makers of "Raees" and SRK are "apprehensive," especially after what happened with "Fan." In the opening weekend, the Maneesh Sharma directorial earned a decent Rs. 52.35 crore net at the domestic box office, but it was followed by a shocking dip in numbers.

"One thing is a fact that Raees is definitely not releasing with Sultan because the idea is to not come out with a film like Sultan. We all know how brilliant Salman is doing right now. It's unlikely that it will release this year because all the prominent dates have already been locked," he added.

Amul believes films of such capacity should never clash as India doesn't have 8,000 screens to fit in both "Raees" and "Sultan." Amul pointed out that if "Fan" had done well, made it to the 100 or 200-crore club, "Sultan" would have been in trouble.

"But given the position Fan has got itself into, you are on a backfoot. I don't know if it's a wise decision but I feel it is a right decision to make right now. When a SRK film doesn't even cross 80 cr properly, you know there is a problem. It's a very simple psychological assessment of the situation," Amul explained.

Meanwhile, trade pundit Amod Mehra presented a different perspective. He said credibility "diminishes" if it's announced and then delayed. Now that SRK's latest film, "Fan," hasn't worked, rescheduling "Raees" may prove to be unwise.

"Raees" features Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles.