With less than a week remaining until the release of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, tensions over show allocations are intensifying. However, this clash is far from ordinary, as the makers of Kantara have made some unprecedented demands that have left exhibitors stunned.
According to a trade insider, “AA Films, the distributors of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, have issued a directive to exhibitors outlining their showtime requirements. They insist on 100% shows in single-screen theatres and all 12 shows in two-screen cinemas, explicitly clarifying this to avoid confusion. Surprisingly, they have also demanded all 18 shows in three-screen multiplexes—essentially requesting exclusive control over every show in these venues—even though Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is releasing alongside.
”The source added, “While it’s typical for distributors to ask for full shows in single and two-screen theatres, it’s quite rare for anyone to demand complete shows in a three-screen cinema.”Many exhibitors have voiced concerns over these stringent demands. One exhibitor, speaking anonymously to Bollywood Hungama, said, “I find this demand unreasonable. We recognize Kantara is highly anticipated, but Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari also promises to be an entertaining film that will attract families and youth.
We want to screen both films and hope the Kantara team understands our position and works toward a compromise.”The email from AA Films further specifies their demands for bigger multiplexes: 21 shows in four-screen theatres, 27 shows in five-screen cinemas, 30 in six-screen multiplexes, 36 in seven-screen multiplexes, 42 in eight-screen multiplexes, 48 in nine-screen cinemas, and an astounding 54 shows in 10-screen multiplexes.
At the same time, AA Films has requested 100% showings in IMAX properties, effectively meaning that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle will conclude its successful IMAX run by October 1. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts.
