Aamir Khan holding focus group screenings for ‘Talaash’

Just days after rumours originated about Talaash being similar to Kahaani, only to die down with the makers issuing a clear statement around this being true, there is a latest development. Now Aamir Khan has decided to make best use of the time available in hand, as a result of which there would be multiple focus screenings for the film in a few weeks from now.

“Yes, there are focus screenings confirmed for Talaash“, says our well placed source, “There is just half a day of patchwork remaining for the film and once that is in place, the film would be ready to be shown to focus groups. People who would be watching the film are being picked through very stringent mechanism as Aamir doesn’t want the suspense element to go out. However, he doesn’t wish to include ‘yes men’ either. He wants an honest feedback from people who care for the film.”

There would be four to five screenings taking place in the month of May. While Mumbai in all likelihood would be the only venue, these screenings would be spread over a period of 15 days so that Aamir and director Reema Kagti can spend good time with the groups and take note of the feedback.

“It would be wrong to think though that Aamir is doing it specifically for Talaash just because there have been rumours spreading around the film. In fact he has been doing this for a long time. Focus group screening of Taare Zameen Par had given him very good idea about the commercial acceptance of the film. 3 Idiots, which was shown only till the interval point to select people, had made everyone sure that it had blockbuster written all over it. On the other hand, for a couple of films there were slight alterations made based on the feedback that had poured in. The trend is just continuing with Talaash“, says a source.

In fact there have been other filmmakers who have taken cue from Aamir’s model of ‘soul searching’ the film and encouraged focus group screenings before the final edit is in place for Censor approval. Whether it is Karan Johar (Dostana, Wake Up Sid, My Name Is Khan, I Hate Luv Storys) or Vishal Bhardwaj (Kaminey), there are many who have been a part of the trend.

“Well, I am told that Aamir has been conducting such screenings since the days of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak so it won’t be anything new for Talaash. I am looking forward to response from such screenings now”, says Reema Kagti. When asked if this may result in the suspense being leaked out, she said, “Well, I am expecting these handpicked focus group members to be honest and sincere here. Fingers crossed.”