The much-anticipated Diwali releases, **Thamma** and **Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat**, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified.
Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun.
### EXCLUSIVE: Thamma vs Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Screen-Sharing Battle Begins
The makers of the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer **Thamma** have reportedly demanded **all shows** in single and two-screen cinemas for their release.
A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama, “*Thamma*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory outlining their screen-sharing requirements.”
According to the mail, August Entertainment has requested:
– All shows in single-screen cinemas and two-screen theatres.
– 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes, meaning 100% showcasing on two of the three screens, plus one or two shows on the third screen.
The mail further specifies show requirements for larger multiplexes as follows:
– 15 shows in four-screen theatres
– 18 shows in five-screen cinemas
– 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes
– 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes
– 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes
– 30 shows in nine-screen multiplexes
– 33 shows in ten-screen theatres
It is important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of *Thamma* in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen.
### Exhibitors Express Reservations
Exhibitors have voiced concerns about the aggressive screen-sharing demands. One exhibitor told us,
“We would definitely want to show *Thamma* as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play *Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat*. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane film can score big time.”
They added, “Let’s not forget that the Marathi film *Premachi Goshta 2* and the Gujarati film *Chaniya Toli* are also slated for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate these films as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”
Another exhibitor remarked,
“The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox, and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”
### Trade Expert Weighs In
A trade expert commented,
“Just a few weeks ago, during the *Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1* vs *Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari* clash, the makers of *Kantara* asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they demanded nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are being more reasonable in the case of *Thamma*.”
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**Also Read:**
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**More Pages:**
[Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Box Office Collection] | [Bollywood News Live Updates]
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