The battle of two comedies: Who will blink first?

MUMBAI - Anees Bazmi’s “No Problem” could be a big problem for Yashraj Film’s “Band Baaja Baaraat” as both the films are slated for a Dec 10 release. But what remains to be seen is who blinks first in this battle of the comedies.

“I don’t believe in lucky dates, but I do believe in commitments. We had decided to release “No Problem” on Dec 10 long ago. I have three releases next year, so I needed to get the film out of the way this year,” Anees says.

“We worked at breakneck speed to finish “No Problem” and announced our release date months ago. It was only later that I heard “Band Baja Baaraat” is coming on the same date,” the hyperactive director added.

This is not the first time two big-budget films are clashing. “Gol Maal 2″ and “Action Replayy” were released on Diwali this year and one of them had to, and did, tank.

Anees admits he isn’t happy with the clash. “It’s never advisable to bring two big films on the same day. If anyone, then they should move because we locked in the date first. But I think Yashraj is superstitious about the second week of December because their “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” released during the same week in 2008 and was a hit.”

But Anees doesn’t believe much in luck. “When my producer Vipul Shah decided to add an extra n in ‘king’ for “Singh Is Kinng” I told him please add one more ‘n’ if it helps the box-office. It’s the product that matters. I know we have a fabulously funny film in “No Problem” and I am sure “Band Baaja Baaraat” is also a terrific film. If a clash is not avoided, then I’ll pray for both films,” he says.

Produced by Anil Kapoor, the star-cast of “No Problem” includes Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, Kangana Ranaut, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal.

When contacted, Yashraj’s official spokesperson said: “No, there is no postponement. “Band Baaja Baaraat” is coming with all the baaraatis on Dec 10, 2010. I’m sure there is space for both of us.”

“Band Baaja Baraat” features Anushka Sharma with newcomer Ranvir Singh.