HappyPlans for the upcoming film began way back in 2005 but the project was shelved in lieu of Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om (2007) which also featured and Deepika Padukone. After her 2010 film Tees Maar Khan, Farah began to consider the possibilities of the film and screenwriting was completed by October 2012. The filmmaker stated that she wanted an established actress in the lead role opposite Khan. Names such as Sonakshi Sinha, Asin, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra and Katrina Kaif were rumoured to play the role, however Deepika Padukone was finalized, making it her third film with Shahrukh khan after Om Shanti Om and Chennai Express (2013). As for the lead role, Khan was one of the director's first choice for the film.[5] The actor was reported to be playing the role of a con artist in the film which has Deepika in the role of a Marathi dancer. At a point, John Abraham was to play one of the supporting roles but Sonu Sood replaced him.[6] Boman Irani was confirmed by the director during an interview. In August 2013, Jackie Shroff was finalised to play the film's antagonist.[7] The director's brother Sajid Khan will be making a guest appearance while actress Malaika Arora Khan was also signed to appear in a cameo role.[8] Vivaan Shah will reportedly play the role of a computer hacker and also narrates the film in the first half. Actor-director Prabhu Deva has performed a dance in a cameo appearance for the film.[9]

The first look of the film was launched on 2 January 2014. As part of the promotions, an official Twitter handle was started and several hashtags on the topic trended on social networking sites. The campaign was one of its kind where a digitally signed personal poster was tweeted to followers.[10]

The worldwide distribution rights were sold to Yash Raj Films for 1.25 billion (US$21 million), the satellite rights were sold to Zee Network for 650 million (US$11 million) and the music rights to T-Series for 120 million (US$2.0 million), earning a total pre-release revenue of 2.02 billion (US$34 million).[11][12]

Filming[edit]
Making the official announcement of her film going on floors from 1 September, Farah Khan tweeted, "N the Countdown begins! Exactly 1 month before shoot starts for Happy New Year ! The most hectic, exhilirating, stressfully happy time!".[13] The first schedule of filming started in Dubai.[14] Arabian Business reported that a major portion of the film will be shot in the prestigious Atlantis, The Palm.[15] On 23 January 2014, Khan was injured while shooting for the film at JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai. Though reported as minor at first, he suffered a fractured shoulder[16] and a torn left knee patella, being advised rest for a while.[17] Mehboob Studios was used as one of the major locations while certain portions were also filmed near the Wilson College. The final schedule was completed in June, 2014 and the film is currently undergoing Post-production work. New Year(SRK)