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MUMBAI, APR 10 (PTI)

Bollywood today sharply reacted to a court verdict sentencing actor Salman Khan to five years' rigorous imprisonment in the Chinkara poaching case, saying the punishment was "too harsh" as the film industry pundits said an estimated Rs 100 crore was at stake on the macho man.

Salman is currently shooting for six films, including big budget banners such as 'Babul, 'Jaaneman', 'Salaam-e-Ishq', and 'Marigold', which is an international venture.

The verdict against Salman puts at risk not only the estimated Rs 75 crore invested in these films, but also another Rs 25 crore in advertisements and promotions that the actor is currently endorsing, trade analysts said.

The star is also shooting for his brother Sohail Khan's as yet untitled home production.

"The court verdict would certainly come as a blow for the producers in which Salman is acting and film production would be hampered. Nearly Rs 100 crore is at stake involving Salman with at least six movies on the floor," film analyst S Kumar Mohan told PTI.

However, he said, this should not affect the career of Salman, since he is an established Bollywood star with a massive fan following.

"The verdict is indeed shocking but no one is above law," Mohan said adding the punishment was too harsh.

Film producer Ashok Pandit said Salman was a celebrity and was therefore paying a price for his status. He said, "the punishment is too harsh and I am sure he got involved without knowing that he was committing a crime. We all have sympathy for him but we have to respect the verdict as judiciary is supreme".

Film maker Mahesh Bhatt said "no one was above law and had to obey the judiciary".

However, he said, Salman should file an appeal against the verdict as every accused has a right to do so.

Co-star Priety Zinta said while the judgement sentencing Salman to prison in the black buck poaching case may be accepted, one wondered why accused in the high profile Jessica Lal murder case were let off.

Film maker Pahlaj Nihalani said "Salman has always been made a target. This time also he has been sent to jail. Tomorrow being a public holiday, the actor would spend time in jail and would be able to move for bail only the day after.

"Although killing of protected species is a crime, I am sure that Salman would file an appeal in a higher court which may show leniency," Nihalani said.

"The film industry has always been with Salman because he is a nice man," the film director added.

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