Batwara 1947 Distributor Reaches Compromise for 50-50 Showings with Awarapan 2
On August 10, Bollywood Hungama reported that PVR Inox Pictures, the distributors of the upcoming film Batwara 1947, have made significant demands regarding show allocations in single-screen cinemas. This situation has created additional challenges for exhibitors, especially with Awarapan 2 set to release on August 14. The distributors of Batwara 1947 initially requested seven shows a day in two-screen theatres, 10 shows in three-screen multiplexes, 12 shows in four-screen cinemas, and 15 shows in five-screen multiplexes. However, recent updates indicate that these demands have changed.
Revised Show Allocation for Batwara 1947
According to an exhibition source, the initial requirement for 60% to 70% of the shows to be dedicated to Batwara 1947 has been revised. The distributors have acknowledged the concerns raised by exhibitors and have now agreed to a more balanced 50-50 showcasing arrangement for both Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2.
Some exhibitors have noted that this 50-50 arrangement will also extend to single-screen cinemas. However, many single-screen theatres across the country have yet to open their bookings. One notable exception is the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur, which has allocated two shows each for both Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947.
New Challenges with Spider-Man: Brand New Day
While the situation with Batwara 1947 appears to be settling, exhibitors are now facing a new challenge with the film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. On Tuesday, the distributors sent out an email requesting cinemas to continue screening the film with a significant number of shows.
A trade source revealed the specific demands for show allocations: in single-screen cinemas, a minimum of two shows a day is required, while two-screen theatres must provide at least three shows daily. For three-screen cinemas, the request is for one full screen, comprising five shows a day. In four-screen properties, the demand is for seven to eight shows, including at least one evening and one night show. For five-screen cinemas, nine shows are requested, while properties with six screens or more have been asked to allot 11 to 12 shows, with at least two screens dedicated to the film in six-screen multiplexes.
Exhibitors Express Concerns
The demands from Sony have left exhibitors feeling anxious about how to allocate shows among the three films. A source noted that Sony feels justified in making these requests, as Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to perform strongly at the box office, having collected around Rs. 9 crores on Tuesday. The film is expected to maintain its momentum over the Independence Day weekend.
An exhibitor from Nawalgarh, Rajasthan, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We always face this problem of doing ‘batwara’ of shows while making sure that none of the distributors is upset with us. We just wonder when this ‘awarapan’ will end.”
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