LAHORE: Akbar Khan has been compelled to pull the historical Indian film Taj Mahal off the Pakistani cinema screens due to the lukewarm response it has received after only a week, following its released with great pomp and show.

The much talked about film Taj Mahal - The Eternal Love Story, premiered in Lahore and Karachi on April 26 and 27 respectively.

However, just a week later, it was the filmmaker Akbar Khan himself who decided to pull it off from the cinema screens as the owners of the cinemas were badly stunned by the poor response of the Pakistani audience. Originally, Akbar had struck a deal with cinema owners to show the film for four weeks.

However, to their utter disappointment, the film did not manage even a week of good business. As a result, the cinema owners felt uneasy and requested that Akbar to review the agreement.

Akbar Khan believes certain elements in Bollywood did not want any box office success for his film and as a result he was forced to pull the film a week after release.

"My film was the talk of India. It got big reviews and the moment I announced, a dozen other filmmakers also came on scene. A Canadian filmmaker had started making the film on Imax format, taking Aishwarya Rai as female lead. That project and others were shelved. But I made it because of my zeal. But some influential people in the Bollywood were not happy with whatever I was doing", he said.

Speaking to the film reporters in Lahore, Akbar said he would re-release the film in Pakistan with a gap now. He said he had released Taj Mahal in India through a platform, which was not earnest. "The platform simply failed on the selection of proper theatres and show time. The publicity campaign could not take off. There was a deliberate sabotage and I was left shocked. Millions of printed posters and campaign items could not hit the streets. Subsequently, I have decided to the pull back the film from the local cinemas in Pakistan with a plan to release it later after doing the proper ground work."

"It happens in entertainment industry. It happened with Braveheart and recently it happened with Cinderella Man, which had to be pulled out and released after three months", he asserted.

About the unfortunate incident in Lahore involving his elder brother centring on the controversy for remarks he made against Pakistan, Akbar Khan said a single incident should not be considered.

"I do not want to do psychoanalysis of my brother. My delegation came to Pakistan with very good intentions and utmost sincerity. The reception has been amazing. We have been to Cannes, Montreal, Moscow, Toronto and many festivals and events around the world. Where in the world will you have a culture minister receiving us with garlands and rose petals? We are all flabbergasted by the respect and honour bestowed upon us."

"It could have been a slip of tongue and misinterpreted. We as delegation ask for forgiveness", Khan said.

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