The long-awaited film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is set to launch next week, with excitement reaching new heights. So far, only the paid previews have been unveiled, which will take place on March 18 starting from 5:00 pm. The response has been historic, as anticipated. Initially, exhibitors were concerned about the film clashing with Toxic, which could have led to a battle for screen slots. However, last Wednesday, the Yash-starring film was rescheduled to June 4, allowing exhibitors to breathe a sigh of relief. Their relief, though, was short-lived after they were informed by the producers and distributors, Jio Studios, of their demands.
Jio Studios has made an unprecedented request for a six-week single-screen commitment for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, followed by a two-week commitment for Raja Shivaji.
This has posed a major threat to Bhooth Bangla, which is set for release on April 10. A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama, "In an unprecedented move, Jio has asked for all shows in the single-screen theatres, that too for six weeks. While asking for all shows is common, distributors usually make such demands for two or a maximum of three weeks. Hence, the demand for six weeks has never been heard before."
The source continued, "The Jio team is clear that theatres must allocate all shows to Dhurandhar for six weeks, with no show sharing allowed.
This implies that Bhooth Bangla, releasing on April 10, might not get a slot if Jio Studios has its way." The source also stated, "Moreover, they have also requested all shows for two weeks for Jio's upcoming saga, Raja Shivaji, which premieres on May 1. Intriguingly, Raja Shivaji arrives exactly six weeks after Dhurandhar: The Revenge. In essence, Jio wants to secure all single screen theatres for both of its films for a span of eight weeks."
An anonymous exhibitor shared, "We are more than happy to screen Dhurandhar: The Revenge, as we know it will create history.
However, Bhooth Bangla is set to release three weeks after Dhurandhar, and it looks like a fun entertainer. Moreover, Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan, Ekta Kapoor, and Pen Marudhar are involved with the film. We don't want to upset them and would love to allocate a show or two to the horror comedy. But we won't be allowed to do so."
The exhibitor added, "This clause is the reason why many single-screen theatres are yet to open bookings for Dhurandhar: The Revenge's paid preview.
Some single screens have already opened, though the issue remains unresolved. They requested Jio to allow them to start bookings and assured them that they will resolve the issue later."
An exhibitor from Rajasthan remarked, "If opportunism is the nature of the game, would it be fair if other studios treated the makers of Dhurandhar in the same manner when one of its smaller films comes out a few weeks after a major release?
We need to co-exist and allow all well-made films to thrive."
Meanwhile, film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi commented, "Commercial negotiations between distributors and exhibitors are a weekly affair.
Obviously, when a weekly film like Dhurandhar comes along, the stakes are much higher for everyone in the value chain. Historically, as we have always seen, negotiations take place on commercial terms, showcasing, ticket prices, etc. Eventually, they need to realize that exhibitors, like the studio, are playing on the same side and striving to bring audiences into theatres in large numbers to maximize revenue. So we need to work as a team, rather than against each other; I am sure we'll eventually find a way for it. Let's hope that Jio Studios and all the distributor entities involved and all the exhibitors across the country help in achieving record-breaking collections, ensure the highest ever opening in the history of Hindi cinema, and hopefully, who knows, the highest ever grosser in the history of Hindi cinema, beating Dhurandhar's first part."
