The Chennai Express-Once Upon A Time Standoff : Who Will Blink First?

The Chennai Express-Once Upon A Time Standoff : Who Will Blink First?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 13:19 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
By Subhash K Jha

UTV, the producers of Chennai Express (CE) are laughing all the way to the bank. And the next bank holiday on August 15.

Binding multiplexes and single theatres across the country under an agreement to not remove CE from a single show on August 15, UTV has put Balajee Films and their much-publicized product Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara, in a peculiar spot.

This big-budget Akshay Kumar-Sonaksha Sinha-Imran Khan starrer finds itself in a exhibitory crisis. The purported blockbuster, the sequel to Milan Luthria's 2010 gangster hit, faces an acute shortage of theatres.

The first ever big-budget film to be thus disadvantaged.


Says a source from a leading multiplex chain, `We are helpless. UTV has made us sign a contract that we won't remove Chennai Express from a single show on August 15. That's where matters stand at the moment. Last month we had small-budget films being left out in the release race. `

This source feels UTV can be `more accommodating and share the 15 August show-timings with the other film. `

UTV, we are told, won't budge.

The scenario could change without warning, as Balajee Films are supposed to be in talks with UTV about the exhibition deadlock.

Says the multiplex source, `We've been told to hang on to the the current schedule and screen Chennai Express on Thursday (August 15) until any further decision is taken on the matter. `


A leading filmmaker closely associated with UTV says, `Balajee has gotten into this situation with their eyes open. They knew very well that they were coming behind a massive film. Such a bottleneck is bound to happen when you choose to take on a Shah Rukh Khan starrer. `
Varun Dhawan Unveils First Poster of 'Nain Matakka' Featuring Keerthy Suresh!

Varun Dhawan's upcoming film Baby John is already creating waves in the entertainment world. The latest buzz surrounds the highly anticipated track "Nain Matakka," and the excitement reached new heights when Varun shared the

Friday, November 22, 2024
'Agni' Trailer Unveiled: A Tribute to Firefighters' Bravery and Sacrifice!

The much-anticipated trailer for Agni, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, was released on Thursday, offering a gripping look into the world of firefighters, their bravery, and the sacrifices they make to protect

Friday, November 22, 2024
Sara Ali Khan Shares Fun BTS Moments from Ad Shoot, Invites Fans to Let Their Spirits Soar!

Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan recently took to Instagram to share a delightful behind-the-scenes (BTS) glimpse from her latest advertisement shoot, revealing her cheerful mood and creative spirit. In a playful and heartwarming post, Sara shared a video

Friday, November 22, 2024
Kartik Aaryan Enjoys Quality Time with 'Sea, Sand, and Sun' at IFFI Goa!

Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, who is currently in Goa for the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Filmazaar, took a moment to unwind and connect with nature. The actor shared a series of serene pictures on his Instagram, showcasing

Friday, November 22, 2024
Shehnaaz Gill Starts Shooting for Punjabi Film: A New Journey Begins!

Actress and social media sensation Shehnaaz Gill is all set to embark on a new chapter in her career, as she commences shooting for her upcoming Punjabi film. The actress shared her excitement with her fans on Instagram, marking this milestone

Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT