Fan Following:
It is because Salman Khan has a huge fan following. A common man is not bothered by what he has done in real life but what he has offered to him. Over the past years, Salman Khan has played characters which can find an immediate connection with a common man. That character may be a cute lover boy like in Maine Pyar Kiya, Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya, Saajan etc. A loving brother as in Hum Apke Hain Koun, An obedient son like in Hum Saath Saath Hain, An honest cop in Garv and Wanted. A daring cop with a good heart as in Dabangg. A man who is watching a movie is living his life through Salman Khan. Salman Khan is giving him hope. A man who was ill-treated by a local goon the other day is able to find hope in Dabangg cop of Salman Khan. Having played these types of roles over 25 years has strengthened people’s belief that yes, change is possible. Salman (or any other popular Bollywood hero) has made them believe that.
A fraction of the well-read population may be aware of Salman’s court cases, affairs etc but most doesn't know, they aren’t even bothered.
Big Budget and Advertising:
And because Salman Khan is a very big star, he demands very high fees for his work, because of which only big budget movies can afford him. A big budget means more cost of advertising. Most of us know about Salman’s upcoming movie. At least know its name. How many of us know the name of next Irrfan Khan movie? Because of the big budget, a lot of money is spent on the movie’s advertising. A curiosity is developed before film’s release. Sometimes even critics are paid by producers to praise movies. All this ensures huge opening and a good chance that movie will recover its cost in the first week itself.
Release Date:
Salman Khan is highly influential. He can ensure that his movies be released on those coveted dates like Id, Diwali, Republic Day when footfall is likely to be high due to holidays. Salman Khan can also convince other stars and producers not to release their movies with him.
