Shaktimaan’s 400 cr. gamble as Sony Pictures faces superhero conundrum – “Replace Ranveer Singh with Ranbir Kapoor or slash budgets by 50%”

The highly anticipated Shaktimaan film has been making headlines, not just for its potential to bring one of India’s most beloved superheroes back to life but also for the challenges surrounding its production. Sony Pictures India, which has secured the rights to adapt Shaktimaan into a major motion picture, cast Ranveer Singh as the titular character and roped in Basil Joseph, known for his work on Minnal Murali, as the director. However, despite these high-profile names, the project faces significant hurdles.

According to trade sources, it has been a struggle for Sony Pictures India to mount the project ever since. A trade source says, “Sony Pictures want to make Shaktimaan in the best possible way, but to their surprise, the digital players are not bullish on the film due to the not so good run of Ranveer Singh. They feel, he is on an all-time low and even a film like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani did not do the business that was expected from it.”

The source adds, “Sony Pictures believe that they are making the most exciting film of Indian Cinema, as Shaktimaan returns with a talented actor like Ranveer, but the market has a complete different perspective. The OTT platforms have asked them to replace Ranveer Singh with Ranbir Kapoor due to his diminishing stardom. Right now, they are trying to rework the budgets, and make the film happen with Ranveer Singh. Let’s see.”

The ambitious project comes with a massive production budget of ₹400 crore, making it one of the costliest films in Indian cinema and no one is willing to place such a huge risk. Given this high cost, the producers are dependent on securing premium deals with OTT platforms and satellite channels to mitigate risks. Unfortunately, these platforms currently view Ranveer Singh as a gamble due to his recent box office performance, which has been inconsistent. “Sony Pictures is struggling to sell Ranveer Singh as Superhero. The film can’t be made without premium OTT and satellite deals. And those deals right now are not possible with Ranveer. Let’s wait and watch. They want to take the film on floors by second half of 2025 and are hoping to secure better deals,” a source told Bollywood Hungama.

Earlier this month, Mukesh Khanna too addressed the rumours of Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan and responded to ABP Entertainment Live when they asked about the actor essaying the character, saying, “I have a contract with Sony International who made Spiderman. They have agreements. It took one year for them to draw these agreements. I am committed to not to talk. They hyped it so much everywhere that this one will become Shaktimaan, that one will become Shaktimaan.”

He continued, “Photos chap rahein hai aur sabne maan na shuru kar diya yeh Shaktimaan hai. Upar Aakash ke log bol rahein hain ki yeh Shaktimaan Banega. Inhone refute nahi kiya. Maine bhi unko message kia hai yeh puchte hue ki tum logon ne refute kyun nahi kiya ki hum isko nahi le rahein hai. Chup hai. Tab maine kahan andhar se daal pakk rahi hai. Toh main khada ho gaya maine nahi kahan hai abhi tak yeh Shaktimaan Banega (there were photos all over the place. People in the clouds started believing that he will be playing Shaktimaan. They didn’t refute. I messaged them asking why they didn’t refute this. They stayed silent. That’s when I realized something internally is going on. But I stood my ground and asserted that I have not decided yet whether he will play Shaktiman or no)”. This is not the first time where Mukesh Khanna has spoken about Singh. In the past, Mukesh Khanna had also raised his objection over Ranveer Singh going almost nude for a magazine photoshoot too.

As Sony Pictures navigates these challenges, the fate of Shaktimaan remains uncertain at this point in time. Whether the studio will stick with Ranveer Singh and slash budgets by 50% or opt for Ranbir Kapoor as a safer bet will likely depend on the evolving market dynamics in the coming months. What remains clear is that Shaktimaan is a project of immense ambition, and expectations are sky-high for its revival as a cultural phenomenon. For now, fans of the superhero must wait patiently to see who dons the iconic suit and brings Shaktimaan back to the big screen.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh meets OG Shaktimaan Mukesh; latter describes him as ‘good person with a dynamic personality’: “The most energetic actor in the industry”

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EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Deol-starrer Jaat to release on Baisakhi weekend on April 10; to CLASH with Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab

The much-awaited Pushpa 2 – The Rule will be released tomorrow, December 5, and Sunny Deol fans will be in for a treat when they venture out to cinemas to catch the Allu Arjun-starrer. This is because the teaser of Sunny Deol’s next Jaat has been attached with the prints of Pushpa 2. Both films, incidentally, are made by the same production house – Mythri Movie Makers. The banner announced this development with a poster. But they didn’t mention the release date of Jaat with his announcement.

Bollywood Hungama has now exclusively got information in this regard. A source told us, “Jaat will be released in cinemas on April 10, 2025. The date is significant as Baisakhi is celebrated on April 13 by the members of the Punjabi community. Sunny Deol is also a Punjabi and has an insane fan following among the community. Hence, they feel that this is the apt time to bring Jaat. Also, with no other Hindi film on this date, the makers knew that this was the right date for the film.”

Earlier, there were reports that Jaat was all set to release on January 24, 2025, that is, during the Republic Day weekend. The source added, “Yes, they did look at arriving on January 24. However, the post-production and shoot took longer than expected. This is when they looked for another release date and that’s how April 10 was locked.”

The source also said that the release date of Jaat is expected to be mentioned in the teaser. Another source also revealed that the action-packed teaser will be available in cinemas first and then arrive on the internet.

Jaat, however, will face competition from Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab. It features the Pan-India star in a double role and also stars Malavika Mohanan and Sanjay Dutt. Although it’s a Telugu film, it’ll have a wide release in Hindi as well.

Coming back to Jaat, it is directed by Gopichand Malineni and also stars Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra and Saiyami Kher. In an interview with Mid-Day in June, Gopichand revealed, “I’ll present (Sunny Deol) in a never-before-seen action avatar. After Gadar 2 was released, I narrated the story to Sunny sir. He said yes immediately, adding that he was looking for this kind of role. Sunny sir doesn’t play a man in uniform. While it is the story of a common man who takes on (the system) to fight for what is right, it is an unusual concept. The story is inspired from various real-life incidents, which people will (understand) when they watch the movie”.

Also Read: Sunny Deol celebrates 67th birthday on Jaat set, receives surprise visit from exhibitors benefiting from Gadar 2 success

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Pushpa 2 – The Rule BEATS Kalki 2898 AD, Baahubali 2, KGF – Chapter 2; becomes the FASTEST film to sell 1 million tickets on BookMyShow

Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s advance booking began with a bang on Saturday, November 30. Ever since, the tickets have been selling like hot cakes and the film is expected to set new records. Bollywood Hungama has now come across interesting data from the most popular ticketing website BookMyShow about the Allu Arjun-starrer.

The demand for Pushpa 2 – The Rule is so high that it has set a new record on BookMyShow. Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, said, “Breaking all records, Pushpa 2 – The Rule has become the fastest movie to surpass the 1 million tickets sold on BookMyShow, crossing Kalki 2898 AD, Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion and KGF – Chapter 2. Fans rushed to get their tickets booked, on BookMyShow, across the country with Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Pune leading the charge.”

Ashish Saksena further said, “Anticipation for Pushpa 2 – The Rule is at an all-time high across both northern and southern markets, with distinct factors fuelling this excitement. In the South, Allu Arjun’s strong fan base and the success of the first instalment play key roles in driving large footfalls to the box office. Additionally, the performances of the talented Rashmika Mandanna and ravishing Fahadh Faasil in Pushpa: The Rise – Part 01 have further strengthened audience engagement for the sequel.”

Ashish Saksena continued, “Pushpa 2 – The Rule is expected to make a notable impact at the box office and the strong pre-release buzz positions the sequel as a strong contender to set new records for opening-day and weekend collections this year.”

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Ltd who revealed, “We always expected Pushpa 2 to be a big film, going by the trends and the numbers of the first part and also because it’s a very strong franchise. We have opened the advances and the film is tracking very well. We are looking at almost 60 lakh admissions over the weekend.”

Also Read: Trade experts SLAM Pushpa 2 – The Rule makers, multiplexes for inflated ticket rates: “If someone charges more than 20% of their blockbuster pricing, that’s just exploitative”

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Gaurav Khanna confirms exit from Rupali Ganguly starrer Anupama; says, “Anuj’s chapter is closed”

Much to the disappointment of MaAn fans, Anupama and Anuj were unable to reunite ahead of the 15-year leap and ever since the same, they have been eagerly awaiting the return of Gaurav Khanna as Anuj. Social media users have been flooding the platform questioning the makers about his return and their desire to see his chemistry with Rupali Ganguly on the show. But adding to their disappointment, the actor has confirmed that he has exited the show and that there are no such plans as of now. He also asserted that he would like to explore other options for now.

In an interview with Times of India, Gaurav Khanna went on to reveal how they tried to explore multiple tracks marking his return for the last two months, but nothing seemed to work. He said, “People have been constantly asking me about my return to Anupama. Rajan sir (producer Rajan Shahi) had discussed the possibility of a grand re-entry for the character, and we waited two months for it to materialise. However, the storyline had to progress, and waiting no longer made sense. He, too, felt it was time for me to explore something bigger.”

However, he also insisted that he would return if the plotline demanded the same anytime in the future. “So, for now, Anuj’s chapter is closed, but I see it as a comma, not a full stop. If the story demands and my schedule allows, I’d be happy to return,” Khanna added.

Recalling how a mere special appearance turned into the lead character of the show, Gaurav Khanna revealed how it became a once-in-a-lifetime role for him. “Anuj was originally planned as a three-month cameo, but it became a defining part of my career, lasting over three years. That kind of love is rare, and I can’t thank my fans enough for it.”

While the actor mentioned that it is not easy to move-on, he also shared excitement about everything that lays ahead. Meanwhile, Anupama continues to feature Rupali Ganguly as the leading lady as it currently focuses on the story of her and Anuj’s adopted daughter Choti Anu aka Aadya aka Raahi. The show also stars Shivam Kajuria as her love interest Prem along with a series of actors playing the new generation on the ongoing Star Plus serial.

Also Read: Paras Kalnawat and Nidhi Shah may have just dropped a hint about Rupali Ganguly being responsible for their exit; say, “Our scenes were cut”

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Richa Chadha-Ali Fazal backed Girls Will be Girls to start streaming on Prime Video from Dec 18, trailer out

Prime Video today announced the exclusive streaming premiere for the coming-of-age film Girls Will Be Girls. An Indo-French joint production, this highly acclaimed and globally celebrated young adult drama has been produced under the banner of Pushing Buttons Studio, Dolce Vita Films, and Crawling Angle Films by Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne, and Shuchi Talati with Ali Fazal as the executive producer. The film, which takes the viewers on a rollercoaster of dreams, aspirations, emotional conflicts, and coming-of-age moments, is Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s Pushing Buttons Studio’s maiden production. It marks the feature film directorial debut of writer Shuchi Talati and also introduces debutants Preeti Panigrahi, and Kesav Binoy Kiron in lead roles, with acclaimed actress Kani Kusruti in a pivotal role. Girls Will Be Girls has garnered widespread praise for its compelling narrative and outstanding performances, earning numerous awards and accolades at prestigious international film festivals. The film will premiere exclusively in India on Prime Video on December 18.

With a poignant and powerful narrative, Girls Will Be Girls delves into the complexities of adolescence and societal expectations, seen through the female gaze. The film follows 18-year-old Mira, as she navigates her rebellious awakening and emotional turmoil, intertwined with her mother’s own unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences. The trailer for Girls Will Be Girls offers a visually captivating glimpse into what promises to be a cinematic gem. It hooks viewers right from the start, taking them on a rollercoaster journey through Mira’s eyes. With its rich storytelling and compelling characters, the film leaves an impression on viewers, making it a must-watch.

“At Prime Video, we are committed to offering diverse, unique stories that not only entertain but also engage, entertain, and spark meaningful conversations,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video, India. “A coming-of-age film that delves into the unique struggles, discoveries, and complexities faced by young adults, Girls Will Be Girls is a captivating watch. This critically acclaimed film has made a mark at prestigious festivals the world over, and we are delighted to launch it on Prime Video for our audiences. This film also holds a special place for us as it marks the debut production of Pushing Buttons Studios, founded by actor-couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal who have featured in some of our most successful Indian Originals.”

Richa Chadha, the co-producer of the film, shared, “Girls Will Be Girls is a film that captures the raw and authentic experiences of young adults, reflecting the rebellious spirit of adolescence while exploring the challenges of adulting, where inter-generational conflicts and struggle for independence are common. We are thrilled that the universal theme of our dream project has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning international acclaim and recognition at some of the most prominent film festivals. With the film now set for an exclusive digital launch on Prime Video in India, we are excited for it to reach audiences across the country who may see echoes of their own journeys in Mira’s story.”

Ali Fazal, the executive producer of the film, added, “Girls Will Be Girls is incredibly special to Richa and me because it’s our first project as producers. A lot of heart, passion, and hard work have gone into bringing this vision to life, making it a journey of immense learning and growth. The phenomenal response from international audiences has been highly motivating, encouraging us to continue pursuing our passion for delivering distinctive narratives. Having this film release exclusively on Prime Video, which feels like a second home for both of us as actors, makes this project even more special.”
Director Shuchi Talati shared, “Girls Will Be Girls is a reflection of diverse perspectives on coming-of-age, uniquely told through the female gaze. Bringing this story to life with an incredible team has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the global recognition we’ve received has been deeply gratifying. I’m thrilled that Indian audiences will now have the opportunity to experience the film on Prime Video.”

Girls Will Be Girls has garnered significant acclaim both nationally and globally, including at its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won two awards across, one of which was the top honour, The Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic Category. The film continued its victory lap, and the accolades include the special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance, the Grand Jury Prize at the Indian Film Festival in Los Angeles, Best Film at the Jakarta International Festival and Biarritz Film Festival, and the Transilvania Trophy for Best Film at the Transilvania International Film Festival. The film also received four awards at MAMI. Additionally, it has been screened at other renowned festivals worldwide, including Cannes, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the Berlin International Film Festival, and made its India debut at the MAMI Film Festival.

Also Read: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s Girls Will Be Girls nominated for Gotham Awards 2024

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Fahadh Faasil to make Bollywood debut with Triptii Dimri in Imtiaz Ali’s next directorial: Report

Malayalam cinema sensation Fahadh Faasil is all set to embark on his Bollywood journey. As per reports, the critically acclaimed actor has been roped in by celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali for his next project. Adding to the excitement, Fahadh will share screen space with Qala star Triptii Dimri.

A Dream Collaboration
A report by PeepingMoon reveals that this collaboration has been in the works for months. The report quoted a source saying, “Fahadh Faasil will make his Bollywood debut with this film, and he’s extremely excited to begin his journey in Hindi cinema with Imtiaz Ali, one of his favourite Bollywood directors. Triptii Dimri’s pairing with him adds a fresh and unique dynamic to the film.”

Imtiaz Ali is reportedly finalizing the script. Production for the yet-untitled film is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025. The movie will be produced under Imtiaz’s banner, Window Seat Films, marking Fahadh’s first project in Bollywood and his maiden collaboration with the filmmaker.
Fahadh Faasil’s Journey So Far
Before stepping into Bollywood, Fahadh Faasil is set to shine in Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring opposite Allu Arjun. At a pre-release event in Kochi, Allu Arjun heaped praise on Fahadh, saying, “FaFa has rocked the show in Pushpa 2 and he will make every Mallu proud throughout the world.”
Triptii Dimri’s Rising Stardom
Triptii Dimri, who delivered memorable performances in Laila Majnu and Qala, was last seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan. Her collaboration with Imtiaz Ali marks her second association with the filmmaker after Laila Majnu. Meanwhile, Imtiaz Ali’s last directorial, Amar Singh Chamkila, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, was a biographical drama that received critical acclaim. His latest venture, with Fahadh and Triptii in the lead, promises to be another groundbreaking love story.

Also Read: Allu Arjun opens up about missing Fahadh Faasil during Pushpa 2: The Rule promotions in Kerala; audiences cheer for the superstar

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Trade experts SLAM Pushpa 2 – The Rule makers, multiplexes for inflated ticket rates: “If someone charges more than 20% of their blockbuster pricing, that’s just exploitative”

Pushpa 2 – The Rule is releasing on December 5 and as it happens for any biggie, the exhibitors opted for blockbuster pricing. Hence, the audiences were ready to shell a little more for the Allu Arjun-starrer. But they got the shock of their lives to see certain cinemas selling tickets at a very steep price. Mumbai’s Gaiety-Galaxy increased the balcony ticket rates to Rs. 200 for the first time. PVR Maison, BKC, Mumbai priced the tickets of the Luxe screens for the evening and night shows to Rs. 3000 (it was brought down to Rs. 2200 later on).

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar explained, “Not everyone is heartless to increase prices exponentially. The pricing is just not justified. I can understand ticket prices being hiked by 15-20%. But if cinemas that sold Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tickets for Rs. 400 are now selling them for Rs. 600 or Rs. 700, then it’s like telling audiences to visit cinemas only 5 times a year. Ek hi picture 5 picture ka paisa le lete hai. Should we then play films only 10 weeks in a year and use the space as a banquet hall for the rest of 42 weeks? I can understand that since cinemas are running one show less due to length, the rates are slightly hiked. But if someone charges more than 20% of their blockbuster pricing, that’s just exploitative. It’s not fair on the audiences.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal agreed that, “High rates are a deterrent, especially on a non-holiday and that too on a Thursday.”

Kiritbhai T Vaghasia, who runs The Friday Cinema multiplex in Surat, explained why he didn’t inflate the ticket rates much, “Earlier, mine was the only cinema hall in this area. Now, two more theatres have sprung up in this locality – Rajhans and Cinezza. Due to competition, I have not increased the rates much. The rates are Rs. 50 more than Singham Again. However, not a single patron has complained about inflated ticket prices. This shows the tremendous excitement for the film.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: RECORD 60 lakh admissions expected for Pushpa 2 – The Rule over the weekend in PVR Inox; Sanjeev Kumar Bijli shares FASCINATING details; opens up on sky-high ticket rates for Allu Arjun-starrer

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Netflix announces The Roshans: A docu-series offering a look into Hrithik Roshan’s family

Netflix announced on December 4 that they will bring to the world the captivating story of the illustrious Roshan family. In an exclusive docu-series, audiences will experience the rich tapestry of their multi-generational legacy through song and stories. For the first time, the Roshans offer an intimate journey through their lives, exploring three generations of passion, dedication, and outstanding contributions to Hindi cinema.

At the heart of this narrative stands the Maestro and Musical Extraordinaire, the late Roshan Lal Nagrath AKA Roshan Saab, the revered patriarch who laid the foundation of this artistic dynasty. His indelible mark on the industry resonates through his own work and blossoms in the achievements of his descendants — Rakesh Roshan, Rajesh Roshan, and Hrithik Roshan — who have each uniquely shaped the landscape of Indian entertainment as directors, creators, musician,s and actors.

Industry veteran, Shashi Ranjan has directed and co-produced the docu-series with Rakesh Roshan, featuring candid interviews with industry peers, friends, and colleagues who offer their perspectives on the Roshan legacy.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Netflix and share previously untold stories that shaped our lives,” said the Roshan family “The platform allows us to reach viewers from across the globe, and it’s an honor to showcase our journey to the audience.”

Director Shashi Ranjan also shared his experience: “Directing this docu-series has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Being invited into the Roshan family’s world and entrusted with their legacy is a privilege I am grateful for. It is an honor to bring their story of creativity, courage, and commitment to the world, and having Netflix house the legendary movie family’s stories was undoubtedly the only way to go.”

Monika Shergill, Vice-President Content, Netflix India added, “We are thrilled to present the story of a family that has touched the hearts of generations of cinema lovers with their timeless melodies and unforgettable tales—’The Roshans’. This heartfelt docu-series takes you on an emotional and nostalgic journey, uncovering the untold story of three generations of this iconic film family. We are deeply honored to share this beautiful and inspiring legacy with the world.

Also Read: Netflix collaborates with IFFI for skilling initiatives, interactive booths, and more

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Salman Khan starrer Sikandar set at Falaknuma Palace features Rolls Royce, police cars with Rajkot connection; deets inside

The excitement surrounding Salman Khan’s upcoming film Sikandar continues to build, as intriguing behind-the-scenes details emerge from the film’s shoot at the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. During the shoot, a Rolls Royce Phantom was brought onto set. However, it was the custom number plate on the car that caught everyone’s attention. The plate featured a royal logo and the number “GJ-03,” which signifies Rajkot city, adding a subtle nod to the iconic city of Gujarat.

This quirky detail was just one of the many aspects that have kept fans on their toes, eagerly awaiting Salman Khan’s return to theatres next year. With Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, promising to showcase the action-packed side of the Bollywood superstar, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding the film. The director is reportedly going all out to give fans a thrilling experience, with an emphasis on extensive action sequences.
Police Cars in Sikandar: A Nod to Rajkot
Further adding to the unique details of the shoot, police cars featuring the same “GJ-03” number plate were used during the shoot at Falaknuma. Interestingly, the text written on the cars was in Gujarati, with the police logo displayed prominently on the sides and the words “રાજકોટ પોલીસ” (Rajkot Police) written on the car bonnets.
Massive Action Sequences Planned for Sikandar
As Sikandar moves from its Hyderabad shoot to Mumbai, sources close to the project have revealed exciting details about the action sequences planned for the film. A special train sequence is expected to be one of the major highlights, with an elaborate set constructed at a Borivali studio in suburban Mumbai. According to a Mid-Day report, the scene will involve raw, gritty action, where Salman Khan’s character faces off against a gang of criminals.

A source mentioned, “The scale of this scene is massive. It involves raw, gritty action as Salman’s character is seen taking on a gang of baddies. The director’s brief to the action choreographer was to make it bloody and vengeful.” The intense sequence was filmed with a small crowd of just 30 people, and the next day, Murugadoss filmed a crowd-heavy action scene with approximately 350 people.

Also Read: Salman Khan to shoot a ‘bloody’ and ‘vengeful’ train action sequence for Sikandar: Report

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Single screens in Hindi speaking markets reject 60% revenue share demand for Pushpa 2 – The Rule; final terms to be decided post-release

Pushpa 2 – The Rule has generated a historic craze like never before across India. The original Telugu version has seen historic advances and even the Hindi and Tamil versions have received unprecedented response. This time, the exhibitors were relieved as there was no clash and they could plan the programming in advance without any headache. But an unexpected challenge cropped up in front of them – the revenue sharing terms.

An exhibitor told Bollywood Hungama on condition of anonymity, “The distributors and exhibitors demanded 60% share in the revenue that would be generated from the sale of tickets in single screens. They felt that they were justified with this demand due to the never-before-seen anticipation generated by Pushpa 2 – The Rule.”

The source added, “However, all the exhibitors in the Hindi-speaking markets as well as Andhra Pradesh-Telangana vehemently rejected this idea. The distributors tried to convince but the exhibitors are adamant that such terms are not acceptable. They argued that 50% revenue sharing is the norm and even the recent big-ticket films like Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 adhered to it.”

The exhibitor continued, “As of now, both parties haven’t reached a consensus. The studio has dropped the 60% revenue-sharing idea and is looking at revenue sharing in the range of 50-55%. They have told the exhibitors that if Pushpa 2 – The Rule manages to become an all-time blockbuster in Hindi, then they’ll ask for 55% share. Or else, they’ll request for a share below the figure of 55.”

A trade expert commented, “In some circuits in the North, the distributor didn’t make such a demand. Also, in Andhra Pradesh-Telangana, a settlement was reached at 55% revenue sharing.”

Meanwhile, Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s makers faced issues when they also made similar demands in Tamil Nadu. A source down South said, “Many cinemas in Chennai like Sri Sakthi Cinemas, S2 Cinemas, AGS Cinemas, Baba Cinemas, Rohini, Ega Cinemas etc. have still not opened advances. The popular Broadway cinemas in Coimbatore, too, had not begun selling tickets until last night. The bookings opened on Wednesday, December 4, at 10:00 am. The other theatres are also expected to follow suit once both parties reach an agreement.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC passes Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s Hindi version 48 hours before release; replaces ‘Ramavatar’ with ‘Bhagwan’

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