Finally, the Khans are back!

By Hindustan Times

Missed the big Khans in the first half of the year? Here they are, finally, with around Rs. 400 crore riding on them. Bollywood may have had a good run without Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir so far, but the boys are back starting this season, promising even better business.

Salman will lead the list with Ek Tha Tiger, which opens on August 15. A little later, he will be seen in the Dabangg sequel that is scheduled for a December release. It’s been a whole year since his last outing — Bodyguard, which was in screens last August. What’s making anticipation go up is that Sallu will be seen with his ex-miss Katrina Kaif in Ek Tha Tiger, after they last paired up for Yuvvraaj back in 2008.

Then, there’s Aamir. Even as he has been in news thanks to his popular TV chat show, Satyamev Jayate, Reema Kagti’s Talaash will be his first film this year. He was last seen on the big screen in Dhobi Ghat, dating back to January 2011. Talaash is reportedly due for a November 30 release after much re-scheduling and creative conflict between the actor and the director. The suspense drama, which also stars Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, will see Aamir in the role of a cop. “It’s a very unusual and wonderful script,” he said.

Shah Rukh, who last did Don 2 in December 2011, will be seen romancing Katrina Kaif for the first time in Yash Raj's next, so-far untitled, which’ll be a Diwali release.

Trade analysts say this will totally turn the year around. “The economics of box office will change as all the four films are really big. Fans’ expectations are huge,” says trade guru Taran Adarsh.

Industry analyst Atul Mohan says, "The stakes for these Khan films are really high, with around Rs. 400 crore riding on them. We are hopeful of great business.”

Fans are happy. "I missed them. No one can replace the magic of the Khans,” says Anupama Dey, 21.