Pahlaj Nihalani blames Bollywood’s glamorous mafia for the failure of ‘Rangeela Raja’

‘Rangeela Raja’, starring Govinda and newcomer Mishika Chourasia, released last week. Prior to release, there was some buzz around the film, not only because it starred Govinda in a double role, but also because it was Pahlaj Nihalani’s first production after his stint as the chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

However, the movie, which released along with ‘Fraud Saiyaan’ and ‘Why Cheat India’, didn’t do well at the box office, as it didn’t get sufficient screens. Now, Pahlaj Nihalani has lashed out against the industry, alleging that it’s run by a glamorous mafia.

The producer said that some people wanted him and Govinda out of Bollywood. He also added that individual producers like him lack corporate backing and are forced out of the industry in the name of corporatisation. Nihalani also alleged that a few critics were upset with him, as he did not hold a press show for them.

The producer was extremely hopeful that his film would do well at the box office. Full of praise for his hero, he had told Bombay Times, “Govinda and I have a great understanding. We are always on the same page as far as the story, music and other elements of the film are concerned. Govinda has always delivered great performances in my films. He has done the same with Rangeela Raja. It’s unique. We’ve also stayed true to our tradition — I’ve always cast fresh faces opposite him. Neelam, Divya Bharti, Ritu Shivpuri and now, there’s Mishika Chourasia. I hope that the audience appreciate our effort.”