Mumbai, February 01: Word on the B-Town street is that the banner owned jointly by the actor and his buddy Dinesh Vijan, may soon be dissolved.
The plans to launch their second film Agent Vinod have been put on hold. There is definitely stress between the buddies-turned-businessmen.
It is learnt that their second film together was to start shooting in January 2010, but seems nowhere on the mark, to get set and go.
Budget cuts
Though Love Aaj Kal was one of the top three hits last year, it still didn’t make a profit for distributors Eros, as it was sold at a very high price. The recession-hit Illuminati Films’ next production Agent Vinod (starring Saif and Kareena Kapoor) has also run into rough weather because Eros has decided to cut down the budget by almost half. The film, which as to be shot in seven cities across the world, will now be shot in just one.”
Many meetings have been held to discuss the progress of the film at Saif’s office in Bandra. The actor feels that he is the main face for Illuminati and is putting in all the hard work, while his partner is not pulling his weight.”
The source reveals that Saif felt a bit let down by the lack of interest and commitment from his pal, “Not one to suffer in silence, Saif had a word with Dinesh recently, and it lead to a huge showdown, following which Saif told Dinesh that they should part ways.
Though Dinesh owns the title of Illuminati Films, Saif wanted to retain it as he feels emotionally connected to it and Bebo also had gifted them the silver emblem of two lions, which became their logo. Dinesh doesn’t want to pushed out of the company. He’s crying foul as he has already taken 1 crore from his financiers and has done recces in Morocco and other locations for Agent Vinod. He has suggested that they complete Agent Vinod together and then part ways.”
Certain changes
However, for the moment, things appear to have been sorted out. Saif, however, dismisses all the rumours, “These rumours have arisen because of the expansion plans made by our production company. I am aware of them too but it’s all rubbish! There are certain infrastructural changes that are happening inside the company and within a week’s time we shall be able to make the appropriate announcement.”
No pink slips
When asked about many employees in Illuminati Films being given pink slips, he maintains, “It’s nothing like that. As part of the expansion plans, we are looking at certain areas (like re-scheduling dates) because the film has been delayed and other issues but Agent Vinod is very much happening and Dinesh and I are 100 per cent together.”
Dinesh Vijan says “It’s all rubbish!”
——-Agencies