Earlier titled “Billu Barber”, the film is now called “Billu” as it fell prey to controversies by the Hairdresser’s Association of Mumbai for hurting their sentiments with its title - a week before its release.

“Billu” is said to be a remake of the hugely successful Malayalam film “Kadha Parayumbol” (2007). It was remade in Tamil as “Kuselan” and megastar Rajnikant made a guest appearance in it.

Produced by Shah Rukh’s Red Chillies Entertainment, the film’s much-talked about special attraction apart from Shah Rukh himself are item numbers featuring Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

“’Billu’ is a beautiful film about relationships, love and friendship. I also have a good part in the film along with Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta,” Shah Rukh had recently said during a visit to the capital.

The story goes like this:

Billu (Irrfan) is a village barber, whose business is going for a toss, as he is not being able to adapt himself to the changing trends.

One day, a film unit visits his village to shoot a movie that stars superstar Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh), who Billu claims to have been friends with.

Billu’s status in the village rises as everyone wants to meet the hero through the barber.

Billu fears that the star may not recognise him. He makes attempts to meet the star but fails and gives up.

The villagers believe he lied about the relationship with the star and insult him. The truth about his friendship with the actor comes out at the end of the movie.

Despite the pre-release buzz, the film has not generated mass appeal. In terms of music, its album has been average on the charts.

Priyadarshan’s previous movie “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” (2007) was a hit and a laugh riot. It remains to be seen whether “Billu” succeeds in recasting his spell over the audience, with Shah Rukh being the icing on the cake.