prem

Last year, the 2001 film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha had another successful run in cinemas after its sequel Gadar 2 became a massive hit, says Mr Nahta.

"This was the time to be in Delhi, finalise talks and strategies with coalition partners, not to start a new project," says Analyst Prem Kumar Mani.

Khan, known for films such as Tiger Zinda Hai, Sultan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, was handed a five-year jail term in 2018 for poaching the protected animals, but his sentence was later suspended on appeal.

Bhatt starred in 2023 romantic comedy Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which was a smash hit at the box office.

Karan Johar’s “Rocky aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani,” or “Rocky and Rani’s love story,” won praise from most critics for its gender politics and for challenging male stereotypes and prejudices.