Sanjay Dutt starrer
Lage Raho Munnabhai may have grossed a whopping Rs 6 crore (Rs 60 million) in its first week of release, but the future of his forthcoming films hangs in the balance till the TADA court in Mumbai delivers its
verdict on the actor's alleged involvement in the
Mumbai blasts case.
Industry analysts say Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) is riding on Dutt currently. This includes films which are due for release; partly complete or those signed by him.
A typical Dutt film has a budget of about Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore (Rs 100 million to Rs 150 million). With five films on hold, Rs 50 crore to Rs 75 crore (Rs 500 million to Rs 750 million) is at stake. Says
Trade Guide editor Taran Adarsh, "Dutt is an important actor and money is certainly at stake."
Dutt has completed work on Vidhu Vinod Chopra's
Eklavya and the film's distribution rights have been been picked up by Sony for Rs 15 crore to Rs 17 crore (Rs 150 million to Rs 170 million). But the actor has around five films on which