Dubai to host global premiere of Ra.One

You read it here first as a rumour and Bollywood fans will now be delighted to know that Shah Rukh Khan’s magnum opus, “Ra.One” is confirmed to premiere in Dubai on October 24 with the star himself walking the red carpet.

Joining him in the spotlight will be the diva Kareena Kapoor, who commands an intense fan following of her own in the UAE.

Other celebrities also expected to be here include Arjun Rampal, who plays the title role of Ra.One in the film, along with Shahana Goswami, child artiste Armaan Verma and the film’s director, Anubhav Sinha.

Producers Ali Morani, Mohamed Morani, Sunil Lulla and Krishika Lulla are also expected to attend.

The news was confirmed to Emirates 24|7 by Rashid Saeed, managing director of Essar Events, which is organising the premiere. He stated: “The contract was signed on October 3 and we couldn’t be more excited to present the hottest Bollywood film of the year with India’s biggest stars, all in Dubai during the Diwali festival.”

And fans that are eager to meet their favourite celebs up close are in for a special festive treat this time around. Rather than limiting the film’s premiere to sponsors, corporates and members of the media, tickets for the 3D sci-fi flick’s star-studded screenings will be on sale to the public.

“We wanted to do away with the monopoly of just having a limited audience having the privilege to see the stars in their element,” said Saeed. “This is why we will open the ticket sales to public probably a week prior to the “Ra.One” premiere screenings.”

For those who think the plural in ‘screenings’ is a grammatical error are in for another surprise. Saeed has also confirmed that “Ra.One” will be shown simultaneously across three screens, with the stars making an appearance in all the showings.

“The venue details will emerge shortly, but we are working out a deal to block three screens to show the film to accommodate the large turnout of fans, and the stars will make an appearance in all of them,” he said.

Following the screenings, the stars will jet off to a charity dinner with the who’s who of Dubai, where a special skit put together by the actors will be staged, followed by a charity auction.

“It is still a surprise as to what will be auctioned off,” said Saeed. “It could be personal memorabilia of Shah Rukh’s and Kareena’s or it could be costumes from the film. Everyone will have to wait and watch.”

Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre.

A red carpet will be planned for fans that can’t make it into the screenings or the charity dinner, but final details of the venue and time have also yet to emerge.

“We will not be organising any other public events to maintain the exclusivity of such a star-studded premiere,” revealed Saeed, adding: “And security is going to be very tight to ensure everyone’s safety and leave no room for gatecrashers.”

Saeed also satted that no expense has been spared to ensure the event will be the highlight of Dubai’s social calendar.

When quizzed about the cost of throwing such an event together, he said: ““Ra.One” is one of the most expensive films to come out of Bollywood, with India’s biggest stars coming to Dubai for its very first public screening.

“Naturally, all precautions have been taken that the event is done in style and without any hitches. I can’t give you an exact figure, but usually, when big budget films have a red carpet affair, the cost can go into millions. It all depends on the star quotient and his or her fan following.

“Only Shah Rukh Khan or a Salman Khan can command that.”

Following the one-day stopover in Dubai, the celebs will jet off to London, for “Ra.One’s” second premiere.

The film is a sci-fi caper, which sees Shah Rukh Khan play the superhero G.One, with Kareena Kapoor playing his wife. Arjun Rampal is the film’s bad guy, with stars Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt and Rajnikanth appearing in special cameos.

In recent months, Khan has been on a publicity blitzkrieg with “Ra.One”, with talk that the film would also hold premieres in New York and Toronto.

“Ra.One” has also seen its share of controversies, with the smash-hit song “Chamak Challo”, sung by Akon, being leaked online three months prior to the film’s music release. In fact, the whole soundtrack also found its way online illegally, three days before the album launch.

The movie will go on general release, in 2D and 3D formats, across the UAE on October 27.

Watch this space for more details on the premiere in the coming weeks, with Saeed promising that many more A-list premiere are in store for Dubai in the near future.

Also Read:
Bollywood buzz: Gaga to skip Ra.One premiere

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