Will Akshay's OUATIM 2 take on Salman's 'Ek Tha Tiger' in Eid 2012?
By Joginder Tuteja, October 19, 2011 - 10:42 IST
When the makers of Ek Tha Tiger decided to release the Salman Khan starrer on Eid 2012, one wonders whether they really considered the fact that it was very early this year when the date was first blocked by Ekta Kapoor for Akshay Kumar's Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2. Now with the two biggies all set to clash with each other, the question is whether it would indeed be healthy enough for the industry which would be better off to have two of the most awaited films of next year to be better spaced.
"It is unbelievable", says an industry expert, "Looking at the kind of flip-flop which is happening around biggies like Ek Tha Tiger, Dhuaan, Housefull 2, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2, Ek Tha Tiger and Dhoom 3, it is akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle. Thankfully all of this is happening months in advance else it would have been sheer mayhem. Not less than Rs. 1000 crores are riding on these films and I hope there is a good understanding developed between the makers here."
In fact it was due to this very understanding that Sajid Nadiadwala had first taken a step in the right direction and pre-poned the arrival of his Housefull 2 so that there is no unnecessary clash with Ek Tha Tiger in June. The expert continues, "Akshay Kumar too didn't blink an eyelid when it came to decision of his friend and producer here."
However, now that Salman too has decided to leave the slot which was originally meant for Akshay and made space for Aamir instead (so that his Dhuaan releases in June), the clash seems to be inevitable on Eid due to Ek Tha Tiger now challenging Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2 in the weekend leading to Eid (which falls on Sunday, 19th August).
"The good part here is that Salman, Akshay as well as Aamir have been in the industry for over two decades and well understand the business dynamics", says a senior filmmaker, "They will never allow ego to come in the way of their films. Yes, they are trying to help each other out so that it's a win-win situation for all. I am sure just like Aamir has now got the slot that he wanted and would be enjoying a solo release on 1st June, even Salman and Akshay will work out something for 17th August, the day when they are planning to bring their films."
Though makers of none of the films were willing to make any further confirmation on record, a reliable source from the production houses hinted that all doors are not closed to avert this clash. He said, "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2 would begin shooting in February. As of now it will release on Eid but then there may be a date adjustment or postponement."
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