Kamal Haasan admits Shah Rukh Khan’s publicity for Hey Ram created a mismatch audiences with the audience.
In a recent interview, Kamal Haasan indicated that the promotional campaign for the film
Hey Ram in Mumbai created a “mismatch” in audience expectations regarding the size of Shah Rukh Khan’s role.
Although Kamal did not use the word “misled” directly in his quote, he stated: “That’s because the publicity in Mumbai made them feel there was much more of Shah Rukh Khan in the film,” explaining that the promotion led to audience disappointment as Shah Rukh played a small but pivotal role rather than a main lead.
Kamal Haasan noted that this, among other factors, caused the film to be a “commercial disaster”. However, he emphasized that Shah Rukh did the film for free out of friendship.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan’s collaboration in Hey Ram continues to be remembered as one of his most unusual.
In the midst of the interview, Kamal also revisited the film’s journey and spoke at length about Shah Rukh’s contribution.
He said “It was so
edge-of-the-seat that audiences slipped out and out of the theatres (laughs),” he joked. “Even when he was making it, people asked him what the hell he was doing. Such expenses for what? Kamal said it was a promise he made to himself. Like a spouse and a house.
Reflecting on the aftermath, Kamal admitted that the film’s failure had serious financial consequences.
Adding he was in financial soup and that the project could have gone either way but unfortunately took the “unsuccessful way, which wasn’t very convenient financially.”
He also revealed that one producer compelled him to reduce his remuneration at the last minute. Regardless the setback, Kamal maintained that he has always been transparent about his finances.
He further opened up that as an actor, he has no complaints. He is one of the highest-paid actors in the country. Thanks to his brother, Chandra Haasan, who looks into his tax matters. Kamal has zero tax arrears. That leaves him with no surplus funds for Swiss bank accounts at all. But he sleeps very peacefully at night. When he hears the thud of boots down his corridor, he doesn’t cringe in fear. It could be called virtuous stupidity. But it’s a comfortable life.
Shah Rukh Khan’s role and publicity mismatch
Kamal also addressed criticism that he may have been “self-indulgent” while making the film. According to him, a section of the audience felt misled amidst the Mumbai promotions.
That’s because the publicity in Mumbai made them feel there was much more of Shah Rukh Khan in the film,” he explained. Shah Rukh played a small but pivotal role in Hey Ram, and Kamal suggested that expectations around his screen time may have contributed to audience disappointment.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.
News Edit KV Raman
