Producers' combine bans due-for-release films following feud with multiplexes
Producers' combine bans due-for-release films following feud with multiplexes
In recent times, multiplexes and producers have been known to get into standoffs that affect due-for-release films.
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Waitu00a0A Little Longer: Amrita Rao in Short Kut |
Terms of percentage is the main issue and it generally doesn't get sorted till the very morning of the movie's release.
This year, UTV's Dev D and Delhi-6 had to face major problems and emergency meetings had to be held to make sure the movies released at multiplexes all over the country.
The producers have decided they have had enough of these last-minute glitches and have decided to come together as a joint body to tackle the problem.
In a hush-hush meeting between the producer's combine and multiplexes' forum last weekend, the outcome is that producers are now not going to put out any new films April 4 onwards if they don't come to an agreement on terms.
In a leading trade magazine, they've asked producers to even stop the publicity of any of the films, which might be coming out in April.
A source present at the meeting says, "The producers are facing big problems. The last thing they want is an altercation with the multiplexes."
The source further adds, "That's not the half of it. Producers are often asked why they crib for a mere 2% with multiplexes.
But the truth of the matter is that multiplexes all over the country owe individual and corporate prod- ucers money running up to crores.
The way things stand now,u00a0 it seems like the producers are sure to go ahead with the ban on new releases."
Mukesh Bhatt, the head appointed by the producers' bodies says, "Producers are in dire straits. For us, it is a battle for survival and that's the not case with the multiplex people.
All we are asking from them is to be fair and simply share the ticket revenue with us equally which is the right of the producer.
The multiplexesu00a0 make money from the refreshments sold, the car parking and in cinema advertising we are not asking a share in any of that.
We are simply asking for what's rightfully ours." When quizzed if the ban can be averted before the D-day he says, "It will be if we stand together.
We can't survive without them and it's the same for them. What we are doing is ethical and what they are practising is called exploitation."
Multiplex committee member, Amitabh Verma (PVR) remained unavailable for comment.
Films affectedKal Kissne Dekhau00a0- April 3
Shortkutu00a0-u00a0 April 3
8 X 10 Tasveeru00a0- April 3
Jashnnu00a0- The Music Withinu00a0-u00a0 April 3
Paying Guestu00a0- April 24
Life Partneru00a0- May 1
New Yorku00a0-u00a0 May 1
