In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla is facing a significant hurdle just hours before its wide release on April 17. Despite moving its original release date from April 10 to avoid the initial wave of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the Akshay Kumar starrer is now locked in a fierce show-sharing dispute that has left single-screen bookings in limbo.
The Conflict: Retention vs. New Release
The standoff involves two major distribution strategies clashing over limited screen real estate:
- Jio Studios (Dhurandhar: The Revenge): The studio is pushing for 50% showcasing in single screens, even in its fifth week. Their leverage? The film’s incredible stamina, evidenced by a massive ₹6.50 crore collection this past Tuesday. They argue the spy thriller still has “gas left in the tank” and remains a top choice for audiences.
- Bhooth Bangla’s Distribution Team: They are demanding full showcasing, arguing that Dhurandhar has already enjoyed a historic four-week run. Pointing to strong ticket sales for tonight’s paid previews and positive advance booking trends, the team insists there is massive demand that can only be met with a full slate of shows.
Critical Booking Delays
As of 8:00 AM on April 16, several iconic single-screen and two-screen theaters have yet to open advance bookings for Friday. The issue is particularly prominent in Mumbai and other major cinema hubs. Mumbai Landmarks: Maratha Mandir, New Excelsior, Plaza, Chitra, Roxy, and Bharatmata are among those currently unable to sell tickets for April 17. National Impact: The dispute has crossed state lines, affecting Delhi’s Delite and Liberty, as well as Jaipur’s world-famous Raj Mandir.
Paid Previews Proceed
While the Friday schedule remains a question mark, single-screen cinemas have been permitted to host one night show of Bhooth Bangla tonight, Thursday, April 16, as part of its paid preview rollout.
Trade experts suggest that a resolution is likely to be reached by late afternoon today, as neither the exhibitors nor the distributors can afford to lose out on the lucrative opening weekend. However, for now, fans are left refreshing booking apps as the industry giants battle for dominance.
