Aditya Chopra wins Round 2 of 'Son of Sardaar' v/s 'Jab Tak Hain Jaan' battle over blockage of theatre screens

Last November, Ajay Devgn had filed a complaint against Yash Raj Films alleging that the makers of Jab Tak Hai Jaan were blocking the release of his film, Son of Sardaar, in several theatres. The star had filed the complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). A year later, the CCI has dismissed the appeal filed by Ajay Devgn Films. Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar had released on November 13, 2012.

The CCI dismissed the complaint filed by Devgn on the basis that they were of the opinion that there was no contravention of the Act in this case. The Competition Appellate Tribunal, in a order of November 8, 2012, also refused to pass any interim order against Yash Raj Films on the ground that the complainant had not put forward sufficient facts to establish that YRF had violated the Competition Act.

Says a source, `Yash Raj Films stands vindicated in the case filed by Devgn films. This is the second time that the Competition Commission has dismissed the complaint filed by ADF, the first time being on November 8 last year and finally now on November 13, 2013.`


In his complaint against YRF, Devgn had stated that the Jab Tak Hai Jaa producers were manipulating exhibitors and distributors to release their film in more theatres than his film Son of Sardaar. The star further alleged that his film would be seen in lesser number of theatres, which would cause a loss to him.

Apparently, prior to the release of Ek Tha Tiger, in August, YRF had used their dominant position in the market, entering into an arrangement with exhibitors saying that they will give them Ek Tha Tiger only if the exhibitors agreed to reportedly give their Diwali release, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, prominence over others.

The YRF spokesperson confirmed the story. Devgn remained unavailable for comment.