Just a few weeks after directing Praveen Tad disclose Shah Rukh Khan To help “Deool Band 2” secure a theatrical release, the digital package (DCP) fee of Rs 42 lakh has been waived, and the Marathi film has crossed the Rs 100-crore mark at the global box office. While many praised Shah Rukh for his generosity, others questioned why a Muslim actor would support a film centered on a Hindu deity. Tad has now hit back at those criticisms, insisting kindness should never be viewed through a religious lens.Tad recalled how the support came about. Speaking to Podkatta, he said, “What is the Hindu-Muslim issue here? He is part of the film industry and so am I. We sought a discount from his company as we only had Rs 12-13 lakh and the bill was around Rs 43 lakh.” Shah Rukh asked his team if the film was good. They told him it was a great movie and he immediately instructed them to hand over the DCP and said we could discuss payment later.“He further explained that the film is ready for release but the dues are yet to be paid. “The movie was ready for release and we had to pay our dues. He just said, ‘Give them the DCP first and we’ll settle the bill later.'” Isn’t that great? If someone helps us so generously, should we ignore this kindness because of caste or religion? We must admit this. “Tad also dismissed claims that thanking Shah Rukh Khan contradicted his ideological beliefs. “As far as Hinduism is concerned, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Thanking Shah Rukh Khan has nothing to do with my Hindutva ideology. A good person is a good person.”Earlier, in an interview with Abhijat Marathi Filmy, Tadde detailed the financial hurdles his team faced before the film’s release. “The bill amount was Rs 4.2 million. We simply don’t have that much money and don’t know where to arrange it. We contacted Red Chili Peppers and explained that our film was a Marathi film with a limited budget but we wanted a wide release. “According to the filmmakers, Shah Rukh took an immediate decision. “He just said, ‘Wait their bill. It’s a Marathi film. Give them DCP. We can sort out the payment later. If it’s a good film, let it be released.’ They show a lot of respect for Marathi films. For him, movies are more important than money. I attribute the success of this film to all of these people. “However, his remarks also sparked criticism from some quarters, with critics accusing him of drawing unnecessary attention to the Bollywood superstar instead of celebrating the film’s Marathi identity.In response to the backlash, Tad posted a strongly worded note on Instagram. “I’ve been traveling through time Maharashtra All the while, no one seemed to notice me. But when I mentioned the names of Bollywood stars, everyone’s pen started to move. Some people have tried to stop the movie, but they can’t. So why indirect confrontation now? The film has made it this far without the support of any so-called big names or influential figures. It has made it this far because the effort behind it is honest and sincere. Thank you all.“He also quoted the famous Marathi poet Vinda Karandikar as his message that no one becomes greater by denying others the credit they deserve. “Whether it’s Pitiya (the character in the film) or Shah Rukh Khan, it doesn’t matter. If someone has helped you, you should be able to acknowledge it publicly and thank them publicly.”The global box office collection of “Deool Band 2” has now crossed Rs 100 crore, making it the third highest-grossing Marathi film of all time, after “Raja Shivaji” and “Sairat”.
