Budget overload: Eros bows out of Ajay Devgn's Shivaay!
Budget overload causes studio partner to bow out of Ajay Devgn’s big Diwali release
Ever since Pen India came on board Shivaay in January this year, questions were raised why Eros International had been a part of the project since the beginning. Eventually, everyone made peace with the fact that the Ajay Devgn-starrer required more hands on deck and money in the coffers.
A trade insider told a Mid-Day, “The Lullas ( Eros’ owners) were the first to come on board for the film. Pen India joined in much later. Due to cash flow issues, the production house signed a deal in partnership with Pen and ADF. Shivaay was pegged to be a Rs 70 crore film with Eros and Pen agreeing on a 50-50 investment plan. However, during shooting, Shivaay was scaled up so as to not compromise on the final outcome. Eros was unwilling to shell out the extra money and ultimately, bowed out of the project.”
Jayantilal Gada on Pen India confirmed to the tabloid, “Pen and Narendra Hirawat are now distributing the film in India while Reliance will take care of overseas distribution. Besides, the music rights no longer belong to Eros Now it is with T- Series. I wouldn’t like to delve into why Eros is longer a part of the deal.”
Krishika Lulla of Eros International maintained a ‘no comments’ stance. Devgn did not respond to text messages.