On December 22, the clash of Prabhas’ Salaar and Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki sent shockwaves through the industry. The trade and exhibitors were concerned since it has become the norm for distributors to battle it over screen sharing.
The exhibitors are also put in a difficult position because they are frequently forced to pick between the two films.
As a result, theatres around the country have been preparing to manage the storm on December 22.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Salaar will be distributed by Anil Thadani’s AA Films, who will also release Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, on December 1. The report stated, “Salaar will be distributed by Anil Thadani’s AA Films, who are also the distributors of Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, which releases on December 1. There was a worry among the makers of Dunki that AA Films might tell theatres that they would get a chance to play Animal, a very highly awaited film, only if they agreed to screen Salaar over Dunki on December 22. Many distributors in the past have indulged in this practice.”
It further stated “Hence, senior authorities from Shah Rukh Khan’s company, Red Chillies Entertainment, reached out to the producers of Animal. The Red Chillies officials requested Animal’s producers to make sure that such a situation doesn’t arise where exhibitors are arm-twisted.”
“The producers of Animal found merit in the request put forward by Red Chillies officials. They assured them that nothing of that sort would happen from their side.” According to the report.
An industry insider also told the portal, “This shows the maturity of all the players involved. Communication is key in any relationship and it’s heartening that Shah Rukh Khan took the initiative to avoid an ugly battle of screens. And his efforts proved dividends. If all goes well, the clash between Dunki and Salaar will be a peaceful one, at least with regard to screen sharing.”
While, Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Animal’ is all set to release on December 1. Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dunki’ and Prabhas’ ‘Salaar’ is slated to release on December 22.