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. A trade source told 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 informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.”The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows of Thamma 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 plexes and 33 shows in 10-screen theatres. It’s 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. Nevertheless, the exhibitors have expressed reservations. An 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. And let’s not forget that the Marathi film Premachi Goshta 2 and the Gujarati film Chaniya Toli are also up for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate it 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.”Meanwhile, a trade expert commented, “Just a few weeks ago, we saw what happened during the Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari clash. At that time, the makers of the former asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they asked for nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are reasonable in the case of Thamma.”Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi.
Category: distribution
Less than a week is left for the release of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. And this one is no unusual clash. As expected, fights over show sharing have begun in full force. But this time, exhibitors are left shocked with the demands put forward by the team of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1. A trade source said, AA Films, the distributors of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 have sent a mail to exhibitors, regarding their requirement of the shows. They have demanded that all shows in single-screens and 12 shows in two screen cinemas. The latter also amounts to all shows; they mention the same clearly in the mail to avoid any confusion. Shockingly, they have also asked for 18 shows in three-screen multiplexes, which, in other words, also amounts to each and every show. They are well aware that a film like Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is releasing alongside their flick. Yet, they have asked for such a showcasing. The source continued, Its common for distributors to demand 100% showcasing in single-screen and two-screens. But as far as we remember, this is a rare instance where a distributor has asked for all shows in a three-screen cinema. Many exhibitors have expressed reservations about this arrangement. An exhibitor, on condition of anonymity, told Bollywood Hungama, I dont agree with this unreasonable demand. We understand that Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is a highly anticipated film. But then, even Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari also looks like a fun entertainer, which will attract family audiences and youth. Hence, Id like to play that film as well. We hope the makers of Kantara understand our dilemma and find a solution. The mail from AA Films further states that they demand 21 shows of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 in four-screen theatres, 27 shows in five-screen cinemas, 30 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 36 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 42 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 48 shows in nine-screen plexes and a whopping 54 shows in 10-screen theatres. Further, they have also asked for 100% shows in IMAX properties. This means that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle will end its glorious run in IMAX on October 1. Also Read: Rishab Shetty and wife Pragathi seek blessings at Kollur Mookambika Temple ahead of Kantara: Chapter 1 release.