Pushpa 2 Faces Booking Challenges Amid Rival Release
The highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa 2 – The Rule, continues to dominate the box office, showcasing impressive performance in its second week. However, moviegoers are left puzzled as advance bookings for the film have not opened in many theaters for the upcoming weekend. The situation arises from a conflict between the distributors of Pushpa 2 and the new release, Baby John, which is set to hit theaters on December 25. This article delves into the ongoing dispute and its implications for both films and the exhibitors.
Advance Booking Stalemate
The excitement surrounding *Pushpa 2 – The Rule* is palpable, yet the lack of advance bookings has raised eyebrows. According to sources from *Bollywood Hungama*, the deadlock stems from a directive issued by Anil Thadani, the distributor of *Pushpa 2*. He has mandated that theaters must allocate an equal number of showtimes for both *Pushpa 2* and *Baby John* from December 20 to December 26. This requirement means that exhibitors cannot reduce the number of shows for *Pushpa 2* to accommodate the new release.
The situation is further complicated by the timing of *Baby John*’s release, which strategically falls on a Wednesday to capitalize on the Christmas holiday. Thadani’s insistence on equal showtime distribution has left many exhibitors in a bind. They face the risk of not receiving the release order (RO) for *Pushpa 2* if they do not comply with Thadani’s conditions. Without the RO, theaters will be unable to screen *Pushpa 2* over the weekend, potentially impacting its box office performance.
Exhibitors Caught in the Middle
Exhibitors are feeling the pressure as they navigate the conflicting demands of the two distributors. One exhibitor pointed out that *Baby John* is distributed by PVR Inox Pictures, a company that previously clashed with Thadani over show sharing during the release of *Singham Again* and *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3*. This history of disputes has led to speculation that Thadani’s current stance is a strategic move to assert his position in the ongoing competition.
Industry insiders suggest that all parties are actively seeking a resolution to the impasse. If Thadani’s demands are accepted, theaters may have to reduce the number of shows for *Pushpa 2* until December 24. This would allow for a smoother transition to the release of *Baby John*. Conversely, if exhibitors choose to prioritize *Pushpa 2*, *Baby John* may struggle to secure adequate showtimes in its initial days. The outcome of this negotiation will significantly impact both films’ performances at the box office.
Potential Solutions and Future Implications
As the situation unfolds, some cinemas have begun limited bookings for *Pushpa 2*, indicating a willingness to adapt. If a consensus is reached that satisfies both distributors, these theaters may open up advance bookings for additional shows. Major multiplex chains, including PVR, Inox, Cinepolis, Mukta, and Miraj, are currently holding off on bookings for *Pushpa 2* until a resolution is found.
The outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for future releases, particularly during peak holiday seasons. The dynamics between distributors and exhibitors are crucial in determining how films are showcased. A successful resolution could lead to a more collaborative environment, while a failure to agree may result in ongoing tensions and challenges for future releases.
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