Shah Rukh Khan supports Aamir Khan's 'Thugs Of Hindostan', says he's sad as people have been too harsh on the filmNov 15 (AZINS) Thugs Of Hindostan, starring two of the greatest stars in the Hindi film industry- Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, has proved to be a dud, with both the audience and critics panning it. 

The Diwali release, which was made on a budget of Rs 300 crore, failed to live up to the expectations of the audience, and is now struggling to make even Rs 150 crore.

Shah Rukh Khan, who is Aamir Khan's friend in the industry, said it was heartbreaking and that people have been too harsh on the film.

"I would like to say something. It’s a little personal and I don’t know whether it’s right to say it or not. This is something that’s saddened me and so I want to share it. When it happened to me personally, I wasn’t so sad, but this time I am," the Zero actor said, as quoted by India Today.

"There are people who have given excellence to cinema for years. A film can be good, a film can be bad; none of us can ever claim ki maine duniya ki sabsi achchi film banayi hain. Mr Bachchan and Aamir have been people who have constantly contributed to the excellence of cinema," he added.

Shah Rukh further said, "The greatest contribution to Hindi cinema in the last 10 years has been from Aamir, and with Amitji, it’s been even longer. Now if a film of theirs doesn’t reach the level that you expected it to, does it take away from what they have done for cinema? I think some people have been a little too harsh. It’s heartbreaking. It doesn’t mean that their spirit is broken, they are all amazing artistes who will bounce back."

Shah Rukh Khan also feels that people have been too hard on the film.

"But one needs to be a little less harsh. I think Stree was fabulous and we need to make 20,000 films like that. But I also think that Thugs of Hindostan is fantastic. Sometimes we do go wrong, but Aamir has never done a film in which he hasn’t put in his best. I’ve known him for 20 years. And if there’s anyone who can put in even more effort than Aamir which Aamir will also agree it’s Amitji... and at this age! So they’ve come in with good hearts and great talent and tried to make a film which tries to open up a new genre."

While praising Aamir for attempting an action-adventure film like Thugs of Hindostan, Shah Rukh said, "I may be speaking out of turn, but just like we have embraced Stree, we need to give some leeway to films like Thugs, that attempt something different. An adventure film has not been made in India in decades probably Parasmani (1963) in black and white was the last one."

"Thugs has tried to introduce this genre and kabhi kabhi upar neeche ho sakta hai. But the fact remains that in our cinema, we haven’t made an Indiana Jones and screw the comparison yaar, humne Pirates of the Caribbean bhi nahin banayi. So props to them for the attempt," the actor further went on to say.

Well, Thugs Of Hindostan opened on a good note and made Rs 52 crore. However, its numbers sinked by the end of the week.

The total collection of the film so far is Rs 133.75 crore.

Thugs Of Hindostan released across 7000 screens worldwide, with its ticket prices seeing a hike of at least ten per cent.

However, due to negative word-of-mouth, audience didn't turn up for many screenings. Several shows have been cancelled.

The film revolves around the 'thugs led by Amitabh Bachchan (Khudabaksh), who pose a threat to the John Clive-led East India Company in 1795 Hindostan.

The British recruit Firangi Mallah, essayed by Aamir Khan to infiltrate the band of rebels and get them the leader of the thugs.

The film also stars Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh.