Imrans Career Hangs In Balance

Will Katti Batti tilt the scales in his favour?



Now that the Katti Batti trailer is out, Imran Khan is once again in our radius.





Imran has been away from the scene for close to two years. His last film was the disastrous Gori Tere Pyaar Mein it sank despite having a popular name like Kareena Kapoor and a big banner like Karan Johar’s Dharma backing it. Which makes Katti Batti Imrans acid test.

“I told UTV clearly that I will not make the film without Imran. I was very clear that Maddys role could only be essayed by Imran. And I have never worked with him. I knew him as an actor and that is what I wanted to use,” says Katti Batti director Nikhil Advani.

Its a make-or-break film for him. However, he seems unfazed by the pressure. I dont expect anything from my films. The film means a lot to me emotionally. Ive had the best time working on it. Its not in our hands whether the audience will like the film or not. Irrespective of what happens, I will always hold my head high with this film, says Imran.

Sadly, the reality is harsh. Imran burst on the scene with a dream debut in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. Strangely, he then swerved away from his rom-com image with Luck and Kidnap which sadly failed.





It did not help matters that he was constantly being compared to Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir, at that time, was going from strength to strength and his popularity and box-office appeal raced ahead of Imrans. Imran, then returned to his tried and tested cool, urban guy avatar in I Hate Luv Storys and Break Ke Baad.





While these films were big productions, they did not gain much favour with audiences and box-office. The only shining star in this career till date has been the edgy, experimental Delhi Belly. Here, clearly, the script was the winner.

Imran might be this really cool, suave guy but when it comes to his onscreen persona, no one really will go gaga over his acting skills. He proved that he struggles when given an earthy, rugged role like Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. Even a strong director like Vishal Bhardwaj could not illicit a worthy performance from Imran.

Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara! and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein also did not help his case. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobara was a bullshit film, it was so weak. Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola was a bad film. These scripts were of the kind that no one should even touch them with a bargepole, says trade analyst Komal Nahta, when asked about the wrong choices that Imran made in his career.

So Katti Batti is the film his career is hanging on.

Imran hasnt had a release in a while. So I think all eyes will be on him. The movie appears to be in a milieu that he is comfortable with, says Tanuj Garg, the former CEO of Balaji Telefilms that produced Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbaai Dobara.





Lets not forget theres a fear that his co-star Kangana Ranaut might walk away with all the praise.

Imran is one of the most hardworking actors I know. He brings in his own charm to every role. If you can crack that about him, you will be able to extract the best performance from him. His performances are so subtle, says Abhinay Deo who directed Imran in Delhi Belly.

Lets hope for Imrans sake that Katti Batti brings him good news.





(Tune in to SpotboyE.com The Show on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1 pm on 9XM)