After reports emerged that the distributor of '
Dunki
,'
Pen Marudhar
, is demanding 100 percent showcasing in single screens during the extended
Christmas
2023 period, a clash scenario with '
Salaar
' has prompted significant backlash from exhibitors across India. Many in the industry are expressing discontent with the tactics employed by the distributors in this situation.
According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, previous clashes in the industry have seen exhibitors exercising their right to decide on showcasing preferences.
The current situation, where 'Dunki' and 'Salaar' are in contention for single screens during the extended Christmas 2023 period, has sparked frustration among exhibitors.
Despite being open to favoring 'Dunki' with three shows compared to two for 'Salaar,' exhibitors find it unreasonable for Pen Marudhar to demand all the shows. An exhibitor expressed dissatisfaction, stating that if a substantial number of single screens refuse to open bookings for
Friday
, the Dunki team may have to reconsider their demands.
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Expressing their respect for Shah Rukh Khan, the exhibitors convey their willingness to prioritize 'Dunki' over 'Salaar.' However, they emphasize the need to balance the showcasing as there is a demand for 'Salaar,' and they cannot entirely overlook the film. The exhibitor lamented that clashes were thought to have become more civil in the post-pandemic world, citing examples like 'Gadar' and 'OMG 2' or 'Animal' and 'Sam Bahadur.' The exhibitor recalled the challenges faced during the clash between 'Raees' and 'Kaabil.'
The exhibitor further mentioned that
Anil Thadani
is willing to collaborate and share screens with 'Dunki,' but Pen Marudhar remains inflexible, insisting on exclusive showcasing. Expressing frustration, the exhibitor stated that such practices are not acceptable. He expressed hope that this message would reach Shah Rukh Khan. The exhibitor questioned the disparity in allowing multiplexes to share shows while single screens are not granted the same flexibility. Despite the desire to showcase both 'Salaar' and 'Dunki,' the exhibitor expressed feeling compelled to choose just one due to the current circumstances.
'Dunki' is slated as a solo release on December 21, but it is anticipated to face competition starting from December 22. The bookings for single screens are expected to open for Friday, with the final negotiations determining the outcome likely by Wednesday night.
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