Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 26: With just two days left for the release of Tere Ishk Mein, the much-awaited Dhanush–Kriti Sanon starrer has already generated strong buzz through its advance booking trends. But even as anticipation builds, several single-screen theatres across Mumbai and other regions are yet to open ticket sales, owing to a standoff between distributors and theatre owners.
According to industry sources, AA Films, headed by Anil Thadani, has directed single-screen owners to sign an undertaking promising to screen Tere Ishk Mein for all shows in the first week. While theatres have agreed to this condition, the distributors have added another clause—mandating at least two shows for the film in the second week as well. Only upon agreeing to both terms will the exhibitors be allowed to release the film.
Theatres, however, remain hesitant. The Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar is slated for release on December 5, and owners fear that committing fixed slots to Tere Ishk Mein next week would force them to curtail screenings of Dhurandhar. Single-screen operators argue that both films cater to mass audiences and deserve adequate showcasing.
Despite the deadlock, theatre owners remain hopeful of a speedy resolution. Many single screens, which have witnessed a dry spell in November, are keen to screen Tere Ishk Mein, especially after the success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat more than a month ago—the last film to perform well in these circuits.
As of 8 am on November 26, bookings were yet to open in several prominent Mumbai theatres including Maratha Mandir, PVR Le Reve Bandra, Inox Nakshatra Dadar, MovieMax Andheri East, MovieTime Suburbia, Mukta A2 Orion Santacruz, Gold Cinema Dadar, MovieTime Dahisar, New Excelsior, Citylight Mahim, Star City Matunga, Plaza Dadar and Chitra Dadar.
Meanwhile, a few cinemas—Regal, Gold Cinema Thane, Gold Cinema Borivali, Anand Thane, Kasturba Malad and Roxy Charni Road—have begun advance sales. In Roxy and Gold Cinema Borivali, the film has even secured four shows, with one slot reserved at 7:30 pm for Gujarati hit Laalo.
With early indicators showing strong audience interest, exhibitors and distributors are expected to arrive at a middle ground soon, paving the way for bookings to open nationwide.