Looks like even before Bajirao Mastani and Dilwale battled it out at box office tomorrow, the latter has got the upper hand already.
Eros International, which released Bajrangi Bhaijaan this Eid, had apparently laid down a pre-condition before single screen theatres owners then that if they wanted to exhibit the Salman Khan-starrer, then they have to showcase Bajirao Mastani too on its release.
But after the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer Dilwale proved to create more interest among the masses than Bajirao Mastani could, the exhibitors now feel that this monopoly act is not justified. Hence, they filed a case against Eros which was heard in Bombay Sessions Court today.
The sessions court ruled in favour of exhibitors and Dilwale, and said that the theatre owners are free to screen any movie that they wish to.
In a statement, Eros International said, "We have valid signed contracts and the court pointed out that we have recourse to damages on solo houseful basis. However, we hope to settle amicably. We already have the showcasing as per our strategy and are getting very positive reactions for Bajirao Mastani from all over the world. We are confident our magnificent film will be a winner with the audiences."
This comes after the incident in 2012, when Eros was at the receiving end with Ajay Devgn starrer Son of Sardaar losing out to Jab Tak Hai Jaan in terms of screen count. This time, Shah Rukh's production house Red Chillies Entertainment is distributing Dilwale. This is the first film that they are independently releasing and hence they have to compete with veteran players in the field.
Dilwale starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Boman Irani is directed by Rohit Shetty. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Bajirao Mastani stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. Both the films will clash at the box office tomorrow.
Also read: Pakistan's censor board clears Bajirao Mastani's release, albeit with cuts
