Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan made three back-to-back blockbusters Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! and Hum Saath Saath Hain before they grew apart, reportedly after the black buck hunting incident.
After a 14-year cold war, the pair have reunited for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
Outwardly, they seem to have rediscovered their mutual love and respect but insiders say there is growing dissent between the two. And it has to do with their differing opinions on how the new film has shaped up.
"It started with the title itself," says a source. "Salman didn't much care for the title Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Salman went along with it because he was keen to dissolve all differences with his best friend. But as the shooting progressed, other differences propped up."
It's a known fact that Salman contributes extensively to the film, from behind the scenes. But Sooraj did not want to comply with Salman's suggestions.
Differences also cropped up regarding the film's length.
"Salman feels PRDP is too long," says a source. "He wants some of the songs to be shortened or edited out. But Sooraj is adamant. He reminds Salman that even during Hum Aapke Hain... Koun! and Hum Saath Saath Hain, Salman felt there were too many songs but audiences loved it."
Sooraj, in fact, wants to shoot one more song but Salman isn't complying.
Let's hope the film's positive box office fate resolve their differences once and for all.
In the picture: Sonam Kapoor and Salman Khan in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
