The producers-multiplex deadlock over revenue sharing is likely to be resolved soon. Sources claim that multiplexes like PVR and BIG Cinemas may be the first to start screening films from June 7 or June 15 onwards.
Industry experts believe that Vashu Bhagnani?s Kal Kisne Dekha, which has been produced at an estimated budget of Rs 30 to 35 crore, will be the first film to be released across multiplexes once the strike is called off as the film is also a BIG Picture venture. When contacted, Amitabh Vardhan, CEO of PVR Cinemas said, ?I have no idea about the meeting.? Amit Khanna, chairman, Reliance BIG Entertainment, mentioned, ?I had called for the meeting but we are yet to come to a conclusion.?
?No other big budget film has been promoted so far. However, there has been a continuous promotion round the film Kal Kisne Dekha (Vashu Bhagnani?s son?s debut film) even during the lull in the Indian film industry. So the film will be the first to be screened once the strike is called off,? said film analyst Vinod Mirani.
Mukesh Bhatt, chairman of United Distributors & Producers Forum (UDPF), said, ?The matter will be resolved in the next 24 to 48 hours. Since we are still in the process of finalising a deal, it is too early to share any details.?
Film maker Mahesh Bhatt, a member of the UDPF stated, ?The worst is likely to come to an end by today or tomorrow. Once the decision is put down on paper, we shall raise a toast. Until then I cannot comment.?
Meanwhile, People Pictures? comedy film, 99, that was the only film that released during the strike, grossed Rs 7.24 crore in 426 screens and Rs 3.03 crore in 297 screens in the first and the second weekend, respectively. The film was made on an estimated budget of Rs 15 crore and released with 400 prints.
On the Hollywood front, Sony Picture?s Angels and Demons, starring Tom Hanks, opened across single screens on Thursday with 117 prints pan India. The film earned $ 280 million worldwide.