Single Screen Theatres reduced Dhurandhar’s Shows by 50%to Make Way for Ikkis
The Dhurandhar craze continues to impact box office collections and screen allocations for other films like Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, Avatar: Fire And Ash, and the recently released romcom Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Bollywood Hungama reports that disputes over screen-sharing have arisen, as Dhurandhar enjoys a dominant position thanks to strong support from distributors and exhibitors alike. However, with the release of Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and the late Dharmendra, set for tomorrow, the dynamics are shifting—but without the same level of contention.
An exhibition insider shared, “Ikkis is distributed by Jio Studios, which also produced and distributed Dhurandhar. Because Dhurandhar has already done tremendous business and is entering its fifth week on January 2, Jio Studios is comfortable reducing its shows to allocate 30-40% of screens for Ikkis.”The source elaborated on the screen allocation: “In two-screen cinemas, Ikkis will get 4 shows; in three-screen cinemas, 6 shows; 8 shows in four-screen multiplexes; and over 10 shows in cinemas with five or more screens.
Also, exhibitors have been instructed to avoid early morning shows for Ikkis since it’s expected to grow gradually via word of mouth rather than morning rush.” Ticket pricing for Ikkis will remain reasonable, as theatres have been told to sell tickets at regular weekend rates, the source added.
A trade expert noted, “In cities like Mumbai, Ikkis likely has more shows than Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, even though the latter had broader appeal as a romantic comedy. The key advantage for Ikkis is securing screenings in single-screen theatres where it can attract its core audience. Until recently, these cinemas dedicated most of their shows to Dhurandhar.”
A review of current listings by Bollywood Hungama shows that from January 1, Dhurandhar’s shows have been cut by half in many single screens—from 4 shows to 2—at venues such as Gold Cinema Santacruz, Chitra, Plaza, Roxy, Citylight, Star City, MovieTime Dahisar, Inox Nakshatra Dadar, PVR Le Reve, MovieTime Suburbia, and Gold Cinema Dadar. Meanwhile, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri failed to secure slots at major multiplexes like Gaiety and Galaxy (G7 Multiplex), settling instead for smaller venues like the 228-seat Gemini and 105-seat Gossip. Conversely, Ikkis will have 4 daily shows at the expansive 819-seat Galaxy.
