Hindi-Speaking Single Screens Reject 60% Revenue Share Demand for Pushpa 2: The Rule; Final Terms Await Post-Release Decision

Ziya Khan December 4, 2024Last Updated: December 4, 2024

Pushpa 2 – The Rule has sparked an extraordinary buzz across India, setting records for advance ticket sales in its original Telugu version, while also receiving an exceptional response in Hindi and Tamil. This time, exhibitors were relieved to avoid any clashes, allowing them to plan their programming without complications. However, a new challenge has emerged regarding revenue sharing terms.

Revenue Sharing Dispute

An exhibitor, speaking to Bollywood Hungama on the condition of anonymity, revealed, “The distributors and exhibitors demanded a 60% share of the revenue generated from ticket sales in single-screen theaters. They felt justified in this request due to the unprecedented anticipation surrounding Pushpa 2 – The Rule.”The source added, “However, all exhibitors in the Hindi-speaking markets as well as in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana strongly rejected this proposal. The distributors attempted to negotiate, but the exhibitors are firm that such terms are unacceptable. They argued that a 50% revenue share is the standard, pointing to other recent big films like Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 which adhered to this norm.”

Ongoing Negotiations

The exhibitor continued, “Currently, both parties have not reached an agreement. The studio has abandoned the 60% revenue-sharing demand and is now considering a range of 50-55%. They have informed the exhibitors that if Pushpa 2 – The Rule becomes an all-time blockbuster in Hindi, they will request a 55% share; otherwise, they will ask for a figure below that.”A trade expert commented, “In some northern circuits, the distributor did not make such a demand. Additionally, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, a settlement was reached at 55% revenue sharing.”

Challenges in Tamil Nadu

Meanwhile, the makers of Pushpa 2 – The Rule encountered similar issues in Tamil Nadu. A source from the South noted, “Many cinemas in Chennai, such as Sri Sakthi Cinemas, S2 Cinemas, AGS Cinemas, Baba Cinemas, Rohini, and Ega Cinemas, have yet to open advance bookings. Popular Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore also delayed ticket sales until last night. Bookings finally opened on Wednesday, December 4, at 10:00 am, with other theaters expected to follow once an agreement is reached.”