To put that in perspective,同期 (contemporary) big-budget Bollywood films like Om Shanti Om (₹40 Crore) or Welcome (₹30 Crore) spent more on lead actors’ costumes than TZP spent on its entire art department. Aamir Khan reportedly charged no fee as an actor and only took a profit-share. The child artist, Darsheel Safary, was a newcomer.

: Aamir Khan later highlighted that the film's success was rooted in its disciplined budgeting; by keeping costs low, the movie became highly profitable for all stakeholders in the distribution chain. Critical Reception and Themes