'There is no question of price reduction or increase'

The appointment of Santosh Singh Jain as court receiver for the release of Chori Chori Chupke Chupke has been perceived as a judicious decision in the trade circles.

There is much relief among the distributors of the film, not only because their film will at last be released but also because Santoshji has been an expert in taking quick decisions. He has helped disentangle many knotty problems as president of the country's strongest film body, the Central Circuit Cine Association (CCCA).

Gautam Mutha met the grand old man of the industry. Excerpts:

What is the latest about the release of Chori Chori Chupke Chupke?

The film's mixing is on, and within a couple of days, its first copy should be out. The film is scheduled for release on either March 2 or 9. Many distributors are in favour of its release on March 2 to avail of a midweek (Id) holiday on March 6.

How do you plan to handle the situation vis-a-vis the distributors?

I have urged all the distributors to come ahead with their papers/ agreements and accounts. We will sort out the matters according to the documents available with them.

What about the claims from the artistes, technicians and others involved with the production?

Whoever proves his claim through proper documents shall be entitled to payment.

Has a separate bank account been opened?

Obviously! It will be operated by the court receiver -- that's me. After the recovery from the distributors and others and disbursements therefrom, the balance will be deposited in a fixed deposit scheme. The court will then decide to whom the monies should go.

Should the film click, what about the overflow money?

I don't have to bother about that. The court has already instructed all the distributors to give undertakings that they would keep their accounts in a proper manner.

Have any of the distributors asked for price reduction due to the delay in delivery? Or have you asked the distributors for price increase due to shortfall?

I will go purely by the agreement. There is no question of any price reduction or increase whatsoever. Has any distributor got the film on outright basis? Vinay Choksey (VIP Enterprises, Bombay), for example, claims he has the film on outright basis.

I have already told him to give me the agreement in support of his claim. I will meet with the solicitors to go through the agreements.

Have you engaged anyone to assist you in this matter?

I am not carrying a burden on my head that I would be in need of a person to share my burden. Anyway, the good part of being appointed the court receiver is that I am getting to learn the ropes of production insofar as the release goes.