With less than a week to go for the big box office clash between Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, the battle for screens has begun. However, this time, the demands from one of the films have left theatre owners in a state of shock.
Distributors for the Kantara prequel are reportedly pushing for a complete takeover of shows in smaller cinemas and multiplexes, which could leave the other film with no screens in many locations. This aggressive strategy has ignited a major debate in the film trade circles.
Team Kantara’s Unprecedented Demands
According to trade sources, the distributors, AA Films, have sent a mail to exhibitors with their showcasing requirements. They have demanded all shows in single-screen theatres and all 12 shows in two-screen cinemas. Shockingly, they have also asked for all 18 shows in three-screen multiplexes. A source from the industry noted that while demanding 100% shows in single screens is common, asking for all shows in a three-screen property is extremely rare.
The demands don’t stop there. The mail also asks for a massive share of shows in larger multiplexes, from 21 shows in four-screen theatres to a whopping 54 shows in ten-screen cinemas. Additionally, they have requested 100% of shows in IMAX, which would mean the popular movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle will have to end its run on October 1st.
Theatre Owners Express Concern
Many theatre owners are not happy with this arrangement. One exhibitor, who wished to remain anonymous, called the demand “unreasonable.” He explained, “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, I’d like to play that film as well.”
The exhibitor expressed hope that the makers of Kantara would understand their situation and work towards a solution that allows both films to get a fair chance at the box office.
What This Means For The Big Clash
If the distributors of Kantara stick to their demands, it could severely impact the opening of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. A complete lack of shows in single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen cinemas would cut off a large segment of the audience, especially in smaller towns. While everyone expects Kantara to open big, this move is seen by many as a way to completely dominate the competition. The next few days will be crucial as theatre owners and distributors negotiate to find a middle ground before the films release.
About The Films
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is the highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a family entertainer. Both films are set for a major box office clash next week.
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