Play store
Advance booking for Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, faced a possible delay on October 20 amid a reported dispute between distributors and cinema exhibitors over revenue-sharing terms.
The booking was scheduled to open on the occasion of Dussehra, but by 9:30 am, only a handful of cinemas had started accepting advance reservations for the highly anticipated film, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama.
A disagreement over the share of box-office revenue is reportedly holding up the process, with distributors demanding a significantly larger portion of earnings during the film’s initial weeks in theatres.
A trade source told Bollywood Hungama that distributors of major films typically receive 52.5 per cent of box-office revenue in the first week, 45 per cent in the second week and 37.5 per cent in the third week.
However, the distributors of Ramayana are reportedly seeking 60 per cent of the revenue in the first week, 50 per cent in the second week and 40 per cent in the third week.
The proposed terms are substantially higher than the customary arrangements for big-budget releases, prompting concerns among exhibitors, who are reluctant to accept the demands.
Negotiations between the two sides are continuing, the report said.
“Everyone is keen to release Ramayana on a grand scale, but there has to be mutual consensus when it comes to commercial terms,” the trade source said, adding that advance booking could be delayed unless an agreement is reached.
The dispute has raised questions about whether ticket sales will begin across the country as initially planned. However, some cinemas have already opened bookings.
As of 9:30 am on October 20, INOX at Korum Mall in Thane was the only cinema in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region reported to have started advance booking for the film. AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru was another prominent multiplex where reservations had commenced.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is among the most ambitious Indian film projects, bringing the ancient Hindu epic to the big screen with a star-studded cast. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, while Yash portrays Ravana and Sai Pallavi plays Sita.
The film has generated considerable anticipation because of its scale, cast and plans for a major theatrical release.
A resolution to the revenue-sharing dispute would help exhibitors and distributors move forward with ticket sales ahead of the release. Until then, the start of advance booking across the country remains uncertain.
