Why Rajesh Khanna's last movie's release has been postponed

Mumbai: Legendary actor Rajesh Khanna's last film Riyasat was supposed to hit the screens on Friday, a day before the 70th birth anniversary of the late star. But the film's director, Ashok Tyagi, says the release stands postponed as the team couldn't find any distributor for the project.

The film is now expected to release in March 2013.

"This is Kakaji's (Rajesh Khanna's) last film, but every distributor is looking at it as a business. He was a superstar and nobody is bothered about his last film," said Ashok Tyagi.

"Everybody looks at this film with a business perspective. I was quite sentimental about releasing this film on his birth anniversary," rued Mr Tyagi.

But he is still positive. "I am still very optimistic about my film because Kakaji's performance is outstanding in the film. I am sure the film will find its own way. Now I have got to know that a few of them are deciding to release the film in March. So now Rajesh Khanna's last film will be releasing in March 2013," he said.

Asked if he took the support of Rajesh Khanna's family, he said: "I don't look at it that way. But if the family wants to take an initiative, then they are most welcome. But I personally didn't ask for any help."

For his role in Riyasat, Rajesh Khanna is said to have sat and watched the DVD of the 2005 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Sarkar.

Riyasat also features Gauri Kulkarni, Aryan Vaid, Aryeman Ramsay and Raza Murad.

Rajesh Khanna died on July 18, 2012 after prolonged illness and a liver infection, and after he had wrapped up most of the shooting for Riyasat.