Project Hail Mary Faces Screen Challenges in India, Set to Share IMAX Slots with Dhurandhar The Revenge
Less than a day remains until the highly anticipated release of Project Hail Mary in India, but fans are expressing their frustration as ticket bookings have not yet fully opened. The film, starring Ryan Gosling, was initially set to release on March 20 worldwide but was postponed in India to March 26 to avoid competition with Dhurandhar The Revenge. The delay has left many eager viewers disappointed, particularly as IMAX ticket sales have yet to commence.
Ticket Sales Delayed
Despite the film’s global release, Indian fans are left waiting for ticket sales to begin, especially in IMAX theatres. A trade source revealed that *Project Hail Mary* is specifically filmed for IMAX, making it a must-see for many moviegoers. However, as of now, bookings have not started, and it is likely that the film will share IMAX showtimes with *Dhurandhar The Revenge*. This situation has caused concern among fans who are eager to experience the film in its intended format.
The situation escalated when Cinepolis Kochi initially allocated all shows for *Project Hail Mary* but later suspended bookings. Similarly, the late-night show at Maison INOX in Mumbai was also canceled. As of 8:00 AM on March 25, the only IMAX theatre in India with open bookings is Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore, which has scheduled a screening for 2:00 PM on March 26, and that show is nearly sold out.
Strong Advance Sales
Despite the booking delays, *Project Hail Mary* has reportedly sold around 25,000 tickets for its release day. Industry insiders believe that once IMAX bookings open, this number will increase significantly, as many viewers in major cities prefer to watch the film on large screens. The anticipation surrounding the film is bolstered by positive reviews from international audiences, which has encouraged Sony Pictures to advocate for more screening opportunities.
However, the success of *Dhurandhar The Revenge* complicates matters. The film is experiencing record-breaking business, with high occupancy rates even on weekdays. This success has led studios and exhibitors to hesitate in reducing showtimes for *Dhurandhar The Revenge* to accommodate *Project Hail Mary*. Nevertheless, the strong advance bookings for *Project Hail Mary* suggest that there is considerable interest, and industry sources expect the situation to be resolved soon.
Director’s Comments on Competition
In a recent interview, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller addressed the competitive landscape surrounding the release of *Project Hail Mary*. They acknowledged the success of *Dhurandhar The Revenge*, expressing their happiness about the thriving Bollywood market. Christopher Miller noted the significance of having a sequel to a popular film released on the same date, while Phil Lord emphasized the importance of local productions for the health of the global film industry.
Their comments reflect a positive outlook on the competition, suggesting that both films can coexist and contribute to the overall success of cinema in India. As the release date approaches, fans remain hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to enjoy *Project Hail Mary* in IMAX theatres.
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