Ramayana Advance Booking Delayed Over Revenue-Sharing Dispute; Distributors Demand 60% Share in Week 1
The national advance booking for the highly anticipated multi-starrer Ramayana—starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi—faced an unexpected delay on October 20. Scheduled to open on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, ticket sales failed to launch across most Indian theaters due to a commercial standoff between distributors and cinema exhibitors.
According to industry reports, the primary cause behind the delay is a disagreement over revenue-sharing terms for the film’s theatrical run.
Distributors Demand Higher Profit Margins
For major tentpole releases, traditional revenue-sharing arrangements usually follow a standardized split:
- Standard Week 1:5% distributor share
- Standard Week 2: 45% distributor share
- Standard Week 3:5% distributor share
However, distributors handling Ramayana are reportedly demanding significantly higher terms:
- Proposed Week 1: 60% distributor share
- Proposed Week 2: 50% distributor share
- Proposed Week 3: 40% distributor share
Exhibitors across multiplex chains and single-screen theaters have expressed deep concern over these elevated demands, leading to prolonged negotiations before signing final screening contracts.
“Unless both parties arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement, the advance booking could get delayed,” a trade source informed Bollywood Hungama. “Everyone is keen to release Ramayana on a grand scale, but there has to be mutual consensus when it comes to commercial terms.”
Limited Booking Openings Amid Ongoing Negotiations
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, only a handful of theaters nationwide opened ticket sales on Dussehra morning. Within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, INOX Korum Mall in Thane was among the isolated venues to begin sales, while AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru also started accepting bookings.
With the film scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical premiere on November 5, 2026, trade analysts expect distributors and national multiplex chains to reach a commercial compromise shortly so advance ticket sales can open nationwide. 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.
