Producers queue outside Sanju's house

Filmmakers are queuing up outside Sanjay Dutt's Pali Hill residence. As soon as the TADA court cleared Dutt of conspiracy charges, a race is on among producers to release the actors next film first!

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Eklavya – The Royal Guard, scheduled for release on February 9, was to be Dutt Jr's next film. But three producers are now making a bid to get to the cinema theatres. Some of the actor's films, canned for want of buyers, have now received a fresh lease of life.

Incidentally, the controversy around Dutt's arrest in 1993 had helped Subhash Ghai's KhalNayak get a rocking opening. Satish Khanna's Mohab bat Ho Gayi Hai Tumse, starring Chandrachur Singh, has a brief appearance by Dutt (he shot for the film, 12 days last year). Khanna is ready to reduce his asking price from distributors so that the film is first to hit the screens.

"Sanjay Dutt went out of his way to do my film, he worked for free. I've asked buyers for a reason able rate. If things go well, my film will be released in January end."

Mahendra Dhariwal, who recently wrapped up shooting for Nehlle Pe Dehlla, is also optimistic of winning the race.

"He went out of his way to finish his dubbing and was also part of an item number. I'm planning to start the TV promos from next week and release it in January," he says, adding, "I'm getting attractive offers from buyers since it will be Sanjay's next film after Lage Raho."

Nimbus Communications' Sarhad Paar, which has been held up for the last five years, could well be released on January 26.

"Our film is going to be his next release for sure," asserts Rajesh Thadani, distribution head of Nimbus Films, adding, "We are toying with the idea of releasing it in several territories ourselves."