Mumbai, Jul 18 (IANS): Muzaffar Ali's "Jaanisaar", whose release was slated for August 21, will now release on August 7, marking the first film of the maker of cult films like "Gaman" and "Umrao Jaan" in 20 years.

A musical love story cum historic drama with the theme of the fight for independence in post 1857 India, the film also marks the entry of Pernia Qureshi, one of India's leading style icons and fashion entrepreneurs with Pakistani major heartthrob Imran Abbas.

The makers always wanted to release the film in the week in which Independence Day falls but as Dharma Productions' "Brothers", releasing on August 14, will take away almost all the single screen cinemas and a large chunk of multiplex shows, it has been now decided to release the film a week before Independence Day.

On the studio culture and big corporates ruling the film industry, Ali said: "Hum to fakeer log hain, jo apne funn pe jaan lagate hain (We are poor people who stake our lives on our art). I didn't know it's so difficult for independent cinema to survive in this country.

"Nobody supports independent cinema, so I am releasing my film on my own without any studio support - after a lot of deliberations we have now chosen August 7 and hopefully the trade / multiplexes and single screen cinemas will give my audience a chance to see this film with their support."