The Diwali release clash between two major Bollywood films, Singham Again, starring Ajay Devgn, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, featuring Kartik Aaryan, has sparked a fierce debate over screen allocation. With the release date set for November 1, T-Series, producers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, has lodged a formal complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), alleging unfair practices in screen distribution. T-Series demands a 50-50 screen split with Singham Again, alleging that PVR Pictures has monopolized over 60 percent of PVR Inox theaters for Devgn’s film, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 struggles for equal visibility. This call for fair play raises questions over competitive practices in the industry as fans await one of the biggest cinematic showdowns of the year.
Singham Again vs Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: A Battle Over Screen Allocation Intensifies
The much-anticipated Diwali clash between Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, produced by T-Series, has erupted into a larger debate over fairness in screen allocation in Indian cinemas. The competition for theatres has prompted T-Series to approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) just days ahead of the films’ joint release on November 1, alleging an imbalance in screen space.
According to a source via indianexpress.com, PVR Pictures, the distributor of Singham Again, “has secured over 60 percent of the shows at PVR Inox theatres for the film.” Additionally, “several single-screen theatres have been instructed to reserve all showtimes for Singham Again, with some theatres only offering Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 early morning slots.”
The move by PVR Pictures has left Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in a difficult position to reach audiences during prime slots, which T-Series claims is an unfair advantage. For T-Series, securing an equal split in screen allocation is crucial to ensure that both films have a fair chance at the box office, especially with the Diwali festival amplifying the stakes.
T-Series Files Formal Complaint with the CCI
T-Series has taken a formal approach to resolve the issue by lodging a complaint with the CCI, an Indian regulatory body aimed at fostering fair market competition. This body works to uphold competitive practices and consumer interests, ensuring an equal playing field. T-Series argues that PVR Pictures’ screen allocation approach restricts Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s market access, compromising its potential revenue and audience reach. The company believes that a “50-50 screen allocation between the two films” is necessary for a fair box office competition.
The CCI’s involvement could set a precedent for future film releases, particularly during major festival seasons, when big-budget releases often compete for audience attention. A source close to the situation mentioned that T-Series’ decision to approach the CCI reflects its commitment to maintaining competitive equality in the entertainment sector.
A History of Similar Clashes
This isn’t the first time Ajay Devgn has been involved in a screen allocation dispute. In 2012, Devgn raised a similar complaint with the CCI when his film Son of Sardaar clashed with Yash Chopra’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan during Diwali. At the time, Devgn accused the opposing camp of monopolizing screen space, which limited Son of Sardaar’s theatrical exposure. This historical context adds another layer to the current conflict, highlighting long-standing issues surrounding screen allocation during major releases.
Star-Studded Casts Intensify the Clash
Adding to the intrigue is the powerhouse cast of both films. Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, features an ensemble that includes Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff, promising high-action entertainment that aligns with Shetty’s previous hit films.
On the other hand, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 boasts an equally captivating cast, with Kartik Aaryan reprising his lead role, alongside Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri, adding a blend of horror, humor, and drama to the screen. The return of these popular actors, particularly Balan and Dixit, is likely to attract a wide audience, increasing the competition for prime screen slots even further.
Release Day Tensions and Industry Implications
Both films are slated for a November 1 release, setting the stage for one of the most significant box office clashes of the year. T-Series’ appeal to the CCI underscores a broader issue within the Indian film industry regarding screen allocation practices, especially for high-profile releases. The outcome of this dispute could impact future distribution practices and alter how theatres allocate screens during festival seasons.
As the November 1 release date approaches, the box office clash between Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has become more than just a fight for viewership; it is now a focal point for discussions on competitive fairness in Bollywood. The decision by the CCI could influence how screen time is negotiated in the future, potentially leading to regulations that promote more balanced distribution.
In the meantime, audiences are eagerly awaiting the release of both films. Fans of Ajay Devgn’s action-packed Singham Again and Kartik Aaryan’s eerie-yet-comedic Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 are set to experience an intense, high-stakes Diwali showdown that will likely be discussed for years to come.
The outcome of T-Series’ complaint and the CCI’s decision will be watched closely, as it may set a precedent for fair screen allocation during high-stakes box office seasons. Bollywood enthusiasts and fair competition advocates alike are eager to see if the 50-50 screen split T-Series requested will come to fruition, ultimately ensuring both films receive equal opportunity to captivate their audience.
