Tubelight, Salman Khan's latest collaboration with Kabir Khan, has received a mixed response from critics but the superstar says the reviews are better than what he expected.
"The critics were really good. I was expecting minus three and minus four but they have given one-and-half rating apparently. I am very pleased with that. Reports are that people can't see me crying (on screen). So I asked, 'Are they (audience) laughing and the answer was no, they are crying. So I said, 'don't worry about it'," Salman told reporters last evening.
The day one collection of Tubelight stands at Rs 21.15 crore, which is way less than what his previous films -- Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan -- earned.
The actor, however, says Tubelight, an emotional drama set against the backdrop of 1962 India-China War, subverts the expectations of the audience as it is not a 'masaala' entertainer.
"As it is an Eid release people have preconceived notions (about the film) as they throw coins, dance, sing in the cinema halls. They have gone to watch a certain film but get to watch another film.
"It is a very emotional film. Even an emotionless, stone-hearted person will have tears in his eyes. So this is an emotional film to be seen with parents, grand parents and entire family," he added.
When asked if there is a sense of failure, Salman said, "What! Does it look bothered (pointing towards his face). I am not bothered. I am sure it is going to do ok. It is going to get us a lot of respect."
Salman was talking on the sidelines of an event to announce an association between his foundation Being Human and the PVR group.
Vikram Doraiswami
Andrew Quintman
Lord Jitesh Gadhia