IMAX Booking Opens for Salman Khan’s Sikandar
Advance ticket sales for the highly anticipated film Sikandar officially began on March 25, following the announcement of its release in IMAX format. Initially, bookings were only available for 2D screenings, leading to speculation about a potential delay for the IMAX version. However, those concerns were put to rest as IMAX screenings commenced in select Southern cities, setting the stage for a competitive release alongside two other major films.
Advance Bookings Launch in Southern Cities
On March 25, IMAX theaters in Bengaluru and Chennai opened advance bookings for Sikandar. Despite the excitement, the film has been allocated only two IMAX shows in Bengaluru, while the Mohanlal-starrer L2 Empuraan dominates the schedule with three shows. This distribution raises questions about Sikandar‘s performance in these markets, especially since L2 Empuraan has already garnered significant attention and box office success. In Chennai, the Salman Khan film will also share the spotlight with L2 Empuraan, which is expected to take precedence in showtimes.
In cities like Kochi and Trivandrum, the chances of Sikandar securing IMAX showings appear slim, given L2 Empuraan‘s strong historical performance in Kerala. However, the film is expected to gain traction in Mumbai and other Hindi-speaking regions, where it may have a competitive edge. As advance bookings expand to these areas, a clearer picture of Sikandar‘s potential will emerge.
Three-Way Clash in IMAX Screens
Next week, a unique three-way clash will unfold in IMAX theaters as Sikandar, L2 Empuraan, and Warner Bros’ A Minecraft Movie vie for audience attention. Scheduled for release on April 4, A Minecraft Movie is expected to attract viewers with its IMAX 3D format and the star power of Jason Momoa. The timing coincides with the start of summer vacations in many regions, further enhancing its appeal.
The distribution of showtimes among the three films remains uncertain. If both Sikandar and L2 Empuraan maintain strong weekday performances, their distributors may request equal show allocations in the second week. However, Warner Bros is likely to push for maximum showings for A Minecraft Movie, given its suitability for the IMAX experience. Industry insiders suggest that this unprecedented situation, with three films competing for IMAX slots, marks a significant shift in the Indian film market, which has traditionally avoided overlapping releases.
Industry Insights and Future Projections
The current scenario is a notable departure from past practices, where IMAX theaters typically limited simultaneous releases to avoid overcrowding. Historically, films like ’83 and Adipurush had to forgo IMAX screenings to accommodate blockbusters like Spider-Man: No Way Home. This upcoming three-way competition will test the waters for IMAX’s capacity to handle multiple films from different genres and audiences.
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