Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s Shehzada is out in theatres today, after a postponement in its release date from February 10 to February 17, in order to avoid clashing with Pathaan. Directed by Rohit Dhawan, the drama-action film also features Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Ronit Roy, and Sachin Khedekar in key roles.

The story centers on the life of Bantu (Aaryan) who realizes later on in life that his biological father is a millionaire, and that he was accidentally switched at birth! While this sets the tone of the movie, his search also kickstarts a comedy of errors.

The movie has amassed lukewarm reactions from critics and the audience alike. Here’s how they’ve reacted:

The movie marks Aaryan’s foray into producing movies, albeit this was because the situation reportedly called for it.“ Initially, I was not on board as a producer. At first, I had taken my fees and remuneration. And then there was a crisis. The film was going through a crisis and they needed somebody to step up. So I asked my producer then I gave up my money. That is how this whole thing, production and me becoming a co-producer came (into being),” says the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 star in an interview, further adding, “Almost, almost. In a way, that resulted in lessening some burden off the film. I signed the film, when I had not even signed Bhool Bhulaiyya 2, so… both films were hand-in-hand. And, there were certain issues we were facing at one point, because of which I had to give up (the remuneration). And, we are in a good spot, a good situation right now.”

Interestingly, the movie’s trailer was unveiled at the Burj Khalifa, during a promotional tour in Dubai, as was the case with Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan. Aaryan soon tweeted, “Feeling like a Shehzada .. on Top of the world, literally 👑❤️ #BurjKhalifa.” However, speculations are rife that the move didn’t sit well with SRK’s fans, who felt the actor was needlessly copying King Khan.

Lead Image: AA Films