Fanaa multiplex release, the plot thicken

With just 24 more hours to go for the release of 'Fanaa', there is still uncertainty around an agreement between Yash Raj Films and the multiplex association.

On digging a little deeper into the actual state of the issue, it turns out that three of the biggest multiplex chains of India would continue to boycott the release of 'Fanaa' at their screens if Yash Raj Films stick to their demand of better share from the ticket sales. Our source from one of the multiplexes, who wished to be unnamed explains, "For every movie that releases, a distributor agrees on a certain percentage cut. For every week there is a rate that depends based on the film's banner, starcast and hype. For each of the weeks there is a rate and everything is agreed upon at the distribution stage itself."

So what is so unique about 'Fanaa'? "See, traditionally for a Yash Raj film, the share is never less than 45-50%. In fact why just a YRF, even for other big banner films coming from top production houses, the share is usually in the same range. While for some movies, this percentage falls down from second week onwards, for certain biggies it remains the same for 2 or even 3 weeks at stretch. Now in case of 'Fanaa', a bigger share is being demanded and that too at the same level for 3 weeks in a row. This has resulted in a disagreement with the multiplexes and hence the decision to boycott the film. If there is no consensus reached, it would be indeed disappointing for both the parties as everyone knows that collections for a movie in the league of 'Fanaa' are normally more than 50% from multiplexes alone."

But is there any hope or would a 'multiplex-addicted' viewer be forced to make a comeback? "Kuch bhi ho sakta hai (anything is possible)", he says, "Nothing is turned down as there is still hope due to a few more hours to go before the film's release!" Won't it hamper the film's show timings if a decision is taken at the last minute and the prints start getting dispatched? "That shouldn't be a problem as normally too a YRF print only comes on a Friday morning. Even if a decision is taken by late Thursday evening, the prints could still be flown over and the movie could be screened at the right time."

So here is hoping that the audience gets to see what they wanted at the choice of their screens. As always, we will keep you updated about the latest information!