AA Films, the distributor for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, has made headlines by requesting 100% screening for their film in single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen cinemas. This strategic move has raised eyebrows in the film industry, especially since it aims to limit showings of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan, which is set to release on the same day.
In response, Dharma Productions, responsible for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, shared their requirements with exhibitors nationwide on the evening of September 27. They are seeking a minimum of 50% screening in two-screen venues, requesting that their film be shown in at least one auditorium across all showtimes. For three-screen cinemas, they are asking for a similar arrangement, as well as ensuring one screen is dedicated to their film in four-screen multiplexes. For larger venues with five or more screens, they request at least two auditoriums to showcase their film.
Industry sources have generally considered these demands to be reasonable. An insider noted that Dharma is realistic about Kantara being a larger and more expensive project, yet they want to ensure that their film also receives a fair opportunity to be showcased.
A trade expert pointed out that the negotiations could become complex, especially given the ambitious schedule that Kantara has laid out. They are requesting specific showtimes across various cinema formats, including 21 showings in four-screen cinemas, 27 in five-screen venues, and up to 54 shows in ten-screen multiplexes. The length of Kantara—at nearly three hours—means most theaters may struggle to accommodate both films without limiting showings of one or the other.
As the release date approaches, how these discussions unfold remains to be seen. It’s likely that negotiations will continue until October 1, just a day before both films are set to hit theaters, potentially creating tension within the exhibition community as they work to meet the demands of both productions.
