‘HOUSEFULL 4’ was released during last weekend on Diwali. Film faced expected heat from critics but did fairly good business at box office. Film was in middle of controversy due to various reasons.
‘HOUSEFULL’ franchise was built by Sajid Khan as he directed first and second installment. Sajid Nadiadwala was the producer of both the films. Sajid Khan departed from Nadiadwala camp to Vashu Bhagnani which resulted in two debacles, ‘Himmatwala’ and ‘Humshakals’. Nadiadwala went ahead and made ‘HOUSEFULL 3’ without Sajid Khan.
Sajid Khan again came back to Nadiadwala and was appointed as director to ‘HOUSEFULL 4’ but then hell broke lose as media industry was hit by ‘me too’ campaign. Sajid Khan was the biggest name to be accused of sexual misconduct. Vikas Bahl and Subhash Kapoor moved on despite allegations (‘Super 30’ was released with all due credit given to Vikas Bahl, Subhash Kapoor is shooting for his next in Lucknow). But Fox Star and Nadiadwala took strong steps and Sajid Khan was removed as director of ‘Housefull 4’. Nana Patekar was next causality who was also forced to leave the film after allegations from Tanushree Dutta.
Now here story gets interesting.
Sham Kaushal has got his due credit in ‘Housefull 4’ as action director though he was named too in ‘me too’ campaign. But there was no hue and cry over his continuous association with this film or other films he is doing. On one hand Sajid Khan did not get any credit for ‘Housefull 4’ despite making more than 60% of films but Sham Kaushal walked free and even giving interview on national television to a famous critic. Vicky Kaushal is new emerging super star and probably his father is too sacrosanct. Or Sajid Khan was easy scapegoat for makers though still no legal proceeding has been done against Sajid.
Fox Star Studios and Nadiadwala Grandsons along with star cast of film (Akshay Kumar and three leading ladies) should answer these questions. As they held high ground whenever they been asked about Sajid Khan’s ouster from the film.
