Clash of the Titans: Singham Again vs. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as T-Series approaches CCI for screen share
Mumbai, Oct 24 — The excitement and tension surrounding this year’s Diwali box office are reaching a fever pitch as two highly anticipated films, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, prepare to hit theaters on November 1. As the release date approaches, the competition between Ajay Devgn’s action-packed installment and Kartik Aaryan’s horror-comedy is intensifying, prompting T-Series to seek intervention from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over screen allocation issues.
T-Series takes a stand
Reports suggest that Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, has secured a preferential deal with PVR INOX, India’s largest theater chain, which is reportedly allocating up to 60% of its shows to Ajay Devgn’s film. Additionally, several single-screen theaters have been instructed to reserve all their shows exclusively for Singham Again, leaving Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 with limited early morning slots.
In response to this apparent imbalance, Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series has approached the CCI, asking for a fair distribution of screens. The production house is advocating for a 50-50 split of screens across major theaters, emphasizing the need for fair competition in the industry, particularly during the lucrative Diwali season. The CCI plays a critical role in ensuring market competition, and T-Series’ plea highlights the need for regulatory oversight in film distribution practices.
The stakes of Diwali releases
The clash is not just a matter of screen space; it also involves significant financial stakes for both films. Diwali is one of the biggest festive seasons for Bollywood, traditionally bringing in large audiences eager to celebrate the holiday with new films. Producers typically seek to maximize their earnings during this period, making the competition for screens even more aggressive.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, continues the saga of Kartik Aaryan’s Rooh Baba and Vidya Balan’s Manjulika, reuniting fans with the beloved characters. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, adding to its appeal. Given the success of the previous installment, expectations are high, and T-Series is keen to ensure its film receives ample screening opportunities.
On the flip side, Singham Again is the latest entry in Rohit Shetty’s popular Cop Universe, promising high-octane action and drama. The film features an ensemble cast of heavyweights, including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, and Jackie Shroff, creating a cinematic experience akin to an Avengers-style blockbuster. With such a formidable lineup, Singham Again is poised to attract a massive audience.
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Industry implications
The dispute over screen allocation is not merely a battle between two films; it reflects broader industry practices where producers leverage their influence to secure advantageous positions for their projects. Such tactics are commonplace, especially when multiple high-profile films release simultaneously. The outcome of T-Series’ petition could set a precedent for how screen allocations are handled in the future, impacting the dynamics of film releases in India.
As the release date approaches, both films are ramping up their promotional efforts, building anticipation among audiences. Fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see how the stories unfold and how the star-studded casts bring their characters to life on the big screen.
Conclusion
With just over a week to go until their theatrical release, the showdown between Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 promises to be a thrilling experience for Bollywood enthusiasts. As T-Series seeks equitable treatment from the CCI, the outcome will undoubtedly influence the box office landscape and set the tone for future releases. The clash of these two titans is poised to be one of the most talked-about events in the industry, with both films vying for the audience’s attention and admiration this Diwali.
