Sardaar takes over SRK’s space

The war had begun months before their scheduled release date. And for Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son Of Sardaar, it seems to be continuing even after the big Diwali release. According to reports, months prior to their yet untitled film’s release, Yash Raj Films had made a pact with single screen owners – they will get to showcase the single Eid release Ek Tha Tiger only if they promise to release Yash Chopra’s directorial on similar terms. Unwilling to lose out on the Salman Khan starrer Ek Tha Tiger, many had agreed then. Their stance seems to have changed now.
Mirror has found out that over 350 single screens across India have decided to replace JTHJ with SOS. These include Chitra in Dadar, Premiere in Dongri, Dreamland and Central Plaza in Mumbai and also Apsara Big in Ahmedabad.
Confirming the news, Devgn’s business manager Kumar Mangat said, “This is good for the film. Theatres that couldn’t screen SOS before will now be able to do so. I am told around 300 to 370 screens will be allotted to the film.”
Reportedly, SOS has collected approximately Rs 76 crore net all over India despite having 500 screens lesser than JTHJ, which collected approximately Rs 90 crore.
When contacted, Aditya Choksi, a leading distributor and exhibitor from Central India said, “Just like in other parts of India, in my circuit, SOS was screened in few theatres like Neel Kamal and Kusum (Indore) and Ganesh ( Pune). It was a success.”
Trade expert Amod Mehra said, “JTHJ has failed miserably in single screens. Hence, theatres are ready to accommodate SOS now.”
Owner of Maratha Mandir, Manoj Desai, who started with three shows of JTHJ on November 13 confirmed that now they have reduced the number of shows to two.
When contacted, YRF spokesperson said, “It is normal trade practise to drop screen/show count in a week or two. And we have done just that after a successful run during which the film would have collected approximately 100 crores at the domestic box office and 50 crores overseas, at the end of the extended first week. Also, a lot of the theatres have been booked only for a one week run.”