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It is not as complicated as it is made to sound or written. It is very simple. The kind of film they are making (Dilwale) and we are working on (Bajirao Mastani) are very different from each other. Besides, our film is so consuming that we don't have time to worry about who is doing what. We have our own deadlines. In the process, if some other films come I think there is enough space for both of them to come and do well," Deepika Padukone had told the media at the first song launch of Bajirao Mastani.
But is it really so simple? Doesn't Deepika know that if two films release on the same date, they cut into each other's business drastically especially in today's times when the cost of tickets hits below the belt? Okay, even if she doesn't know this, how would she feel if someone told her that the producers of her film have put huge barricades in the way of the man who launched her with Om Shanti Om?
Yes, it's now REALLY daggers drawn between Bajirao Mastani and Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale, courtesy the former.
9xe has it that Eros International has booked a huge number of single screens from December 18 onward (the release date of both films) in Bombay Circuit, Delhi, Rajasthan and many other places in India, imposing a condition that they'll not screen any other film except their Bajirao Mastani for at least a week.
How and when did they do that?
Apparently, Eros had a whiff of SRK's Dilwale hitting the screens on the same day as their project in May itself. So they had a simple bait - Tanu Weds Manu Returns. Yes, they distributed the sequel across single screens on the condition that the theatres would screen only Bajirao Mastani when it releases.
So who announced December 18 first? A leading distributor, on request of anonymity, says, "Both parties claim that they announced their release date first. But who can prove that?"
SRK has not been on great terms with Eros ever since they supported Son of Sardar in its war against Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The man is obviously not amused that the Eros head honchos Lullas (Sunil, Kishore) have played dirty with him this time, but he's fast putting it behind him.
Surprisingly, there have been rumours since the last two days that Eros might postpone their film by a week. What if either of them postpone their film to December 25, we asked. Said the distributor, "That's a risk. If the film which releases on December 18 does well, why would any single screen replace it totally in its second week?"
A source close to Eros confirmed, "Yes, we have blocked many single screens. But it's okay. We wonder if SRK will release Dilwale on December 18."
A source close to SRK shot back, "King Khan will not budge. Both films will have their audience. But tell us, would you like to see Ranveer, Deepika and Priyanka in a period film or the effervescent chemistry of SRK and Kajol first? Need we say more?
Anupamaa
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