Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari vs Kantara: Varun Dhawan’s Film Makers Request Controlled Showcasing in Multi-Screen Theatres

Ziya Khan September 28, 2025Last Updated: September 28, 2025

Bollywood Hungama was first to report that AA Films, distributors of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, demanded 100% showcasing in single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen multiplexes. This move raised eyebrows within the industry as it seemed aimed at limiting showtimes for the Varun Dhawan-starrer Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which releases on the same day as Kantara.

Meanwhile, the exhibition sector awaited Dharma Productions’ response, the producers and distributors of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that on the evening of September 27, Dharma Productions sent their showcasing requirements to exhibitors nationwide.

As per reports, “Dharma’s distribution team requested that in two-screen cinemas, their film be allotted one auditorium for all shows, equating to 50% showcasing. The same demand applies for three-screen multiplexes—one auditorium for all shows—and similarly for four-screen theatres, one auditorium dedicated fully to their film. For cinemas with five or more screens, they have asked for a minimum of two auditoriums.

Thus, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari distributors have requested:

50% showcasing in two-screen cinemas,
33% showcasing in three-screen multiplexes,
25% showcasing in four-screen theatres.

Industry insiders consider this a reasonable demand. One source commented, “Dharma is being pragmatic, acknowledging that Kantara is a bigger, higher-budget film. But they are also asserting that their film deserves fair showcasing.”A trade expert added, “It remains to be seen if AA Films will soften its stance and allow Dharma’s film to secure these slots. Notably, Dharma’s mail did not specify any demands for single-screen cinemas.”

Similarly, demanding 100% showcasing in single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen multiplexes, AA Films has requested:

21 shows in four-screen theatres,
27 shows in five-screen cinemas,
30 shows in six-screen multiplexes,
36 shows in seven-screen multiplexes,
42 shows in eight-screen multiplexes,
48 shows in nine-screen multiplexes,
54 shows in 10-screen theatres.

A trade expert explained, “Kantara runs for 2 hours and 48 minutes. Including intervals and turnover time, each show occupies roughly a 3-hour 10-minute slot. Some multiplexes start shows 10-15 minutes late, so realistically a screen can host only five full shows daily, with a few possibly managing six if the first show is early or the last runs late at night.