Is YRF unlucky for Saif

YRF has scored its first hit this year in the form of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring SRK. But things haven’t been that rosy for the other Khan and Yash Raj Films. Three films starring Saif Ali Khan have flopped. So is YRF unlucky for Saif who has otherwise had a great 2008?

Our source tells us, "Saif got his big break with Dil Chahta Hai and YRF's Hum Tum directed by Kunal Kohli starring Saif and Rani was Saif's first solo hero hit in 2004. But after that, none of his films with YRF have repeated the success of Hum Tum."

He further adds, "After Hum Tum, he did Salaam Namaste with Preity Zinta which was an average success. Then Ta Ra Rum Pum was supposed to repeat the success of Hum Tum because people had loved Saif and Rani in that film. It was the first film of Yash Raj in 2007 and it did not live up to the expectations of people."

"This year the first release of Yash Raj was Tashan in April with Saif and Kareena. The movie got a lot of publicity over Kareena's size zero figure and their romance but Saif got a raw deal in the film as his role had been chopped off. The movie was the first big budget flop of 2008. Then Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic released in June. Everyone expected the movie to do well because it was a children's film and had Saif and Rani. Moreover, Kunal Kohli had given two hits back to back with Hum Tum and Fanaa. But in spite of all the hype, Ameesha's lack of clothes and good reviews, the film flopped.”

“Roadside Romeo released in the Diwali vacations and was expected to draw in the crowds because of its animation and Saif-Kareena pairing but it didn't happen and Jugal Hansraj's directorial debut sank at the BO. Clearly, Saif's jodi with neither Kareena nor Rani is creating wonders at the BO. In fact, even YRF films which have Rani in the lead are flopping though she has got good reviews for her performances in the films. Barring the success of Hum Tum and Bunty aur Babli, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic have flopped,” adds the source.

But outside of YRF, Saif has had a good year. Last year Omkara released and this year Race. Both have been huge hits for the actor. “Saif's only hit this year was Abbas Mastan's Race which was a multistarrer and more importantly not a YRF release,” says the source.

He further adds, "In fact, Saif is not doing another film with Yash Raj Films in the near future. He is busy with the films he is producing and with Dharma Productions' film! There is nothing with YRF on the cards in the near future!"