By Manissha Despaande

It is a known fact that it was the emotionally stirring subject of WAQT that prompted Akshay Kumar to acquire the Mumbai distribution rights of the film. However it has now come to light through media reports that Akshay's decision also carried a conditional tag, which clearly stated that he would go ahead with his distribution plans, only after the producer agreed to dedicate the film to his late father, Hari Om Bhatia. Reports indicate that Akshay made it a purely business decision since he did not want to go by verbal assurances, which meant that Vipul Shah had to concede to the clause as part of the distribution contract. In addition, Akshay also prevailed upon Shah to display in the beginning of the film, a touching letter that he had written to his late father, which would be incorporated in all versions of the film, be it DVD or overseas prints. A report published in an eveninger quoting Akshay states that he had never felt this close to any film before and there were scenes in the film that seemed to be an extension of his own life.

It is not known how much say Akshay had in the merchandising of the film and the pre-release marketing strategy, which played upon the father-son bonding. Producer-director Vipul Shah was not available for comment. One will have to wait and find out whether it was too big a price for him to pay for negotiating the Mumbai rights of the film.