Hrithik Roshan's "Mohenjo Daro" is an ambitious project, which is why it is not surprising when reports claim that it has been made on a lavish budget.
Sets, costumes and actors' fee cover most part of the expenses, but then first guesses aren't always the best or even the correct one. Sources say Hrithik's injury played a major role in the budget shooting through the roof.
The film was shot in two places — Bhuj and Naigon — simultaneously leaving the cast and crew no choice but to shuttle to and fro. That spiked the costs and the superstar's multiple injuries added to the financial woes. First it delayed the shoot leading to losses; second, he refused to shoot in Bhuj at the time he was recuperating because the temperatures had risen considerably by then.
"The film's initial budget was Rs 150 crore, but it ended up costing almost double because of Hrithik getting injured," an insider informed SpotboyE. The shoot was apparently completed in 262 days.
"Mohenjo Daro" is an epic-adventure film co-starring fresh face Pooja Hegde and Kabir Bedi. It is director Ashutosh Gowariker's second project with Hrithik after "Jodhaa Akbar."
Will "Mohenjo Daro" recover the costs?
Apparently, there's no reason for the makers to be worried. "Mohenjo Daro" has already earned quite a bit ahead of its release on Aug. 12.
A source in the know claims that the "economics of the project are fully in control." The total cost of the film, which includes publicity and advertising, is Rs 115 crore, of which the makers have already made Rs 60 crore from the satellite rights and such.
"Which means that the producers only need Rs 45 crores in India and Rs 15 crores overseas to break even," the source said.
The number isn't very daunting and appears achievable, but one must keep in mind that "Mohenjo Daro" is set to go to a box office battle with Akshay Kumar's "Rustom."
Although Hrithik's film has an edge over Akshay's in terms screen count and the fact that it's his return to celluloid after a gap of two years (Hrithik's last film was "Bang Bang"), the vibe around "Rustom" is all positive.
