South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce had given a boycott call, asking Bollywood stars not to attend the IIFA awards last month. But the actor, who is also the co-producer of the movie, said he opted for Lanka because it saved a lot of money and time for the producers.
"I don't think I will have any problem in screening the movie in South India. The film is being shot in Sri Lanka as it saves a lot of money and time," he told reporters. "We are actors, not politicians. Sri Lanka has been the location for many South Indian film shoots. I got to know about the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce's (SIFCC) reservations," he said.
The actor is in the country for a 30-day shooting schedule with 'Ghajini' star Asin Thottumkal and actor Paresh Rawal. "Ultimately it is the financier who suffers. Art is a medium which brings people together and promotes peace," the 45-year-old star said. Asin said since she belonged to Kerala, the locales of Sri Lanka resembled that of her state.
"Whenever I land here, I don’t feel like I am in a foreign country," she said. Shooting was originally to take place in Mauritius and some other countries but the actor persuaded director Anees Bazmee and producers Rajat Rawail and Kishan Kumar to shift locations. Bazmee is the maker of box office hits like 'Welcome', 'No Entry' and 'Singh Is Kinng'.
Shooting is taking place in and around Colombo till July 18 with around 140 Indian crew. 'Ready' is slated for release in July 2011 with 2,000 prints. Salman plays a happy-go-lucky character in the movie, which is a remake of a Telugu film.