"I’ll smash glass walls of multiplexes!": Ameya Khopkar explodes over 'Saiyaara' replacing Marathi film

A fresh controversy has erupted in the Indian film industry, spotlighting the ever-growing tension between regional cinema and big-banner Bollywood releases. At the heart of it is Ameya Khopkar, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) film wing, who has strongly criticised multiplex chains for allegedly removing the Marathi comedy Yere Yere Paisa 3 from theatres just days after its release to accommodate the high-profile Hindi film Saiyaara.

Khopkar’s outburst comes after his film, which opened in Maharashtra on July 18, was reportedly replaced in multiple cinema halls, including Mumbai’s iconic Plaza Cinema in Dadar. “The audience welcomed the film with enthusiasm, but within a week, shows were taken off. All screens were handed over to Saiyaara. This is extremely disheartening for Marathi filmmakers and audiences,” Khopkar said in a public statement, adding that in Mumbai itself where Marathi culture thrives regional films are struggling to find screen space.

While he refrained from taking immediate action, Khopkar didn’t hold back from issuing a warning. “I am quiet now because it’s my film. But the next time a Marathi film is mistreated like this, I won’t stay silent. I’ll smash the glass walls of multiplexes,” he stated bluntly, making it clear that this battle is far from over.

On the other side of the controversy is Saiyaara, a Yash Raj Films production featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Since its release, the romantic drama has taken the box office by storm, grossing over Rs 190 crore and dominating theatre screens nationwide. The buzz around the film be it for its music, chemistry, or youthful appeal is undeniable. And clearly, theatres are riding the wave of its commercial success.

In stark contrast, Yere Yere Paisa 3, backed by Dharma Productions and directed by Sanjay Jadhav, has managed to collect Rs 78 lakh so far. Despite being the third instalment in a well-loved franchise, it appears to be facing an uphill battle for visibility.

The clash has reignited long-standing debates about screen-sharing, regional film rights, and the balance that must be struck between commercial gain and cultural representation.